kimberlycollins
The Warrior & The Wishbone
A story of my battle with breast cancer, alternative therapies, raw food and going against the pharmaceutical grain.
46 posts
Don't wanna be here? Send us removal request.
Last Seen Blogs
amphibologeist
amphigeist
gkwithjaiswaljee
GKWITHAISWALJEE
ladybugandnekuro
Ladybug and Nekuro
theadventuresofsaltandpeppe-blog
The Adventures of Salt & Pepper
donyanyitadiary-blog
Donya A.
Text
A Cleansing and Warming Recipe for your New Year
To start the new year I traditionally do an Ayurvedic Kitchari cleanse for about a week. It’s my absolute favorite comfort food and I make it on a regular basis all year long, whether I am cleansing or not. The Indian spices are super balancing to the doshas. According to ayurveda, each of us has a unique mix of three mind and body principles, which creates our specific mental and physical characteristics. These three principles are called doshas. The three doshas are known as: Vata, Pitta and Kapha.
What exactly is Kitchari?
Above all other Indian meals, there is one which is considered to help facilitate spiritual growth. It is the Ayurvedic detox food – but it can also be found on many dinner tables on a normal day, as it is loved for other reasons, as well.
Kitchari, pronounced kich-ah-ree and sometimes spelled khichadi or khichdi, has long been used to nourish babies and the elderly, the sick, and the healthy during special times of detox, cleansing, and deep spiritual practice.
A simple, porridge-like blend of beans and rice, kitchari is often referred to as the Indian comfort food. But perhaps contrary to the western idea of comfort food or even health food, kitchari has many nourishing and cleansing benefits.
Make kitchari when you are sick, when you are sad, when you are cleansing, for your kids or a loved one when they are under the weather, when you can’t be bothered to cook, when you come back from a long trip, when you need to regain your strength, but maybe not for dinner on a first date.
You’ll be surprised how warming and comforting it is, and pretty soon it’ll be the stuff your cravings are made of.
(source)
RECIPE
It seems like a long list of ingredients, but it truly is very simple! I just make sure I keep Indian spices on hand all the time in case I get the craving. Add more broth or water each time you warm up, as the rice will absorb the liquid after it has sat. It’s best to make fresh daily without eating as leftovers if doing cleanse. Otherwise, you can double the recipe if you are making for more than one person to last a day or two.
Ingredients:
>>1 cup of dry mung dal (split yellow)
>>1 cup high quality Indian Basmati Rice (good Indian rice makes all the difference!)
>> 4-6 cups water or veggie broth (more water will make it soupier. I personally like it a bit brothy)
>> 6-7 cups assorted vegetables (My favorite veggies - celery, kale or chard, carrots and cilantro to garnish. But you can pick anything you’d like! Or nothing at all and just have it simple beans and rice)
>> Traditional is 2-3 tablespoons ghee, but I use coconut oil when cleansing
>> 2-inch piece of fresh ginger root, minced
>> 1 tablespoon turmeric
>> 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
>> 1 tablespoon cumin (I add a little more cumin. I love the grounding, earthy flavor of it.)
>> 1 tablespoon black mustard seeds (or regular if you can’t find)
>> 1 tablespoon fennel seeds
>> 1 tablespoon mustard seeds
>> 1/2 teaspoon fresh cracked pepper
>> 1 tablespoon Himalayan pink sea salt
>> 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon
>> And last but not least I add HING (also called ASTEOFIDA) to taste. You can find this at Indian markets or online. Some recipes online do not call for this spice, but I cannot eat Kitchari without it, it’s so good. The anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties of asafoetida help alleviate digestion problems like upset stomach, intestinal gas, intestinal worms, flatulence, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It gives the Kitchari that classic indian food essence and aroma too.
How to Make:
>> Prep Ahead: Wash the mung beans and soak them in water overnight for four to eight hours (this helps with digestion, but in a pinch I have skipped this step with no issues).
>> In a large deep skillet or large pot, melt the ghee (or coconut oil) until it’s in liquid form.
>> Add seeds to the ghee and saute until you hear the seeds pop.
>> Quickly add the spices, ginger, rice and beans to the mix. Coat the rice and beans with the spices and seeds (important to do all these steps fairly quickly so you don’t burn the spices).
>> Slowly add in the water.
>> Add the vegetables and lightly stir all the ingredients.
>> Bring water to a boil.
>> Lower heat, cover and cook for about 45 mins or until the rice and beans are tender and the veggies cooked.
>> Stir in the salt at the very end.
>> This recipes makes 4-6 servings. Garnish with cilantro and fresh lime juice and melt a little more ghee or coconut oil over the top.
1 note
·
View note
Photo
Winter Solstice (December 21 in the Northern Hemisphere and June 20 in the Southern Hemisphere) is the shortest day of the year and was also celebrated as Midwinter, Yule and later as Christmas. I cannot help but wonder how the ancient people felt when the days grew shorter, the nights longer. They looked up in the sky, wondering at the sun’s great power to bring life to the earth and related it to a god. Without the scientific knowledge of how the earth rotates around the sun, it must have been frightening to think the sun might never reappear. It’s no wonder they created rituals on the shortest day of the year to bring back the Sun god. Some of the earlier rituals involved animal, and possibly, human sacrifices. They also celebrated with holly, ivy, pine boughs, lighted trees (candles), warm beer and spiced wine drinks (wassail), roasted pigs, large Yule logs and large bonfires, songs and gifts in the hope that the sun would rise earlier and banish the cold, harsh winter. The traditions are still celebrated all over the world. Later, Christianity incorporated the birth of Jesus into the celebration, naming him the new Sun god even though according to some historians, Jesus was most likely born in March or April. Here in the United States most people celebrate Christmas using some of the traditions of Winter Solstice. In our house, we celebrate a combination of Winter Solstice and Christmas. I put up a Christmas tree, nutcrackers and my Pagan goods and antlers. For me, this is a time to spend with family and friends (thus a huge party with warm pagan style cider), a time for sharing and a time for reflection. Each December I look forward to the end of winter and the beginning of a new season. Every ending is a new beginning. #pagan #wintersolstice #christmas #yule info from #celticchick
2 notes
·
View notes
Photo
NIPPON GA DAI SUKI (JAPAN WE LOVE YOU)
Traveling to an exotic country sounds, well, exotic. And it is. It’s a true adventure in life. It’s also exhausting. And enlightening.
I’ve traveled afar throughout my entire adulthood. All over Europe, The Middle East, Egypt, Central America, Mexico, Eastern Europe, Canada, the Caribbean, Australia… Florida. ;)
I give travel (and my parents, *ehem*) credit for keeping me grounded, humbled and modest, in the sense of “I AM BUT A SPECK ON THIS EARTH” or “MY BELIEF SYSTEM IS NOT EVERYTHING” or “I DON’T KNOW AS MUCH AS I THOUGHT I KNEW” or “I REALLY DON’T KNOW HOW I GOT BEST DRESSED IN HIGH SCHOOL” (read: France ;)).
Travel helps us all to get out of our comfort zone and to see what a tiny place we occupy on this planet. It’s a liberating realization, embracing one’s insignificance in this world. It’s not about being small, because none of us are. It’s more about the world being BIG.
Travel puts your life into perspective; your problems and celebrations do not hold as much weight as they seem. It also shows you how much you have or what you don’t have. It’s a healthy reality check.
That’s why travel is good for you.
I am reminded this after a crazy year. My husband and I have been on tour with our music (The Smoking Flowers) for a lot of 2018, in and out of the country. It’s been a healthy year of these reality checks for sure.
That’s why I am writing this post on my health blog, as this type of health is just as important as the physical.
And so I write.
I write to journal.
I write to inspire (myself, if no one else).
I write to remember.
I write because I am bored today, it’s cold outside and my matcha is steaming, infusing me with memories.
I’m also writing because I miss Japan.
Of all my travels, I think Japan smacked me across the head when I needed it most. It made me feel like I was five years old again. Everything, down to using the toilet, I had to relearn/rethink. Yep, it took 43 years off my life. Now that’s a natural youth serum I can live with.
It also made my brain function differently. Trying to learn a foreign language audibly and visually that has no history in the Latin world is truly a foreign language. I now know how to order water, draft beer, sake and vegetarian ramen in Japanese. Basics. (Although a friendly laugh is usually the response to the veggie ramen inquiry). I now know how to tell a Japanese punk band they did a great job after seeing them open up for us at our show. I learned to say just plain “awesome”, and used it a lot. Japanese is pretty “saikou”, after all.
Japan can feel very futuristic, and Tokyo is like being on a movie set at times. They are the future for most of the civilized world seemingly 10 years ahead of us all, yet still remaining ancient and historic at the same time. Eating sushi or having tea can be presented like it was 400 years ago or like something out of The Jetsons (ala conveyor belt computer sushi restaurants).
But beyond the exotic veil, it was the culture and etiquette that really impressed me and made my head spin.
Below are but a few observations of the plentiful Japanese culture I experienced over my month long visit. And of course, they are my own, so they are neither right nor wrong. Just observations from a somewhat worldly gal who grew up Southern in America:
1. The Japanese have manners like I’ve never seen.
They are unwavering in their politeness. Selfless hospitality is a cornerstone of Japanese culture, and you can feel it in everything down to their quiet nature to their cleanliness to the way they package your purchased goods like a present. And that bow! That Japanese bow. It makes you feel special.
2. They are startling quiet and calm.
Given that Tokyo houses more than 13 million people, the sense of order and calm as everyone goes about their responsibilities with concern for others is remarkable. The Tokyo city streets are shockingly silent. You can hear the air, the machinery hums that run a city and the cars passing, but they don’t honk like NYC. I think I heard two honks the entire time in Tokyo, and that’s not an exaggeration. We drove the interstates a ton on our tour, all over the country... aggressive driving doesn’t seem to exist. Could this be from their Zen culture?
Also, they don’t bump into you trying to get on the subway in a hurry. It’s an orderly line and gentle squeeze to fit everyone on the trains, like a can of sardines without the stink.
I want to throw in another aspect of “calm” here; safety.
Feeling safe, stable, and secure is central to our health and wellbeing. How safe we feel at home and in our neighborhood can influence our social habits and feeling of freedom. When we feel safe, we find it easier to relax, do all the things that comfort us, and focus on the work or study we need to do to help ensure our stability.
I’ve never felt safer anywhere in my life than when in Japan. I never worried about my purse or goods being stolen. Never worried about locking our apartment or car doors. Never got ogled at or hit upon. Wowza.
3. There’s no trash on the streets. And I mean zero. Not even cigarette butts. And it’s not like there are janitors sweeping the streets and alleys. To make this fact more amazing, it’s hard pressed to find trash bins anywhere. So where does a city of millions dispose of their goods while walking/biking about? Their pockets… until they reach home to throw in appropriate bins.
RETRACTION: One time we were walking under an over pass in Tokyo and we saw, gasp, trash. The remarkable thing was that this trash was piled neatly in a small pile, waiting anxiously to be picked up properly.
For an interesting article on Japan and the waste culture check out this article: https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2017/07/why-japanese-dont-litter/
4. They seem to really care about the planet.
And don’t just post about it on social media.
You won’t find paper towels anywhere, sans a few nice restaurants. Water waste is thoughtfully considered in everything they do it seems. Yes, even the toilet fill water after a flush is used as a sink to wash your hands before entering the tank. They line dry their clothes (like most of the world except America). They ride bicycles like it’s Amsterdam on steroids. There are even parking lots just for bikes. This eliminates the need for excess taxis on the streets (i.e. “fossil fuels”). I know this goes on all over the world, but I again, I’m sticking to Japan here.
5. Buddhism and Shintoism.
I have practiced Buddhism since my 20’s and see it as more of a mind set and lifestyle than a religion. So for me, I felt right at home in a country that houses over 77,000 temples (No typo there). Incense permeates the air, especially in Kyoto. Smelled like my house and I couldn’t have been happier about that aspect.
But it’s more than Buddhism. The main Japanese religion is Shintoism. Many Japanese people practice both. The beliefs are very compatible and not contradictory.
6. ROBOTIC TOILETS!
Japan has a magic thing called Toto Toilets. And the toilet culture there is really something to behold. I fell in love with their toilets and never once worried to sit on the public toilet seat. I can simply not go back to our classic Kohler again. Trust me, once you experience a heated seat, self-cleaning, massaging, butt-cleaning, “privacy sound”, hand-washing toilet all in one small package, you’ll never go back. Don’t know how to expand on this in a blog… just “go” try it for your self.
7. 7- Eleven heaven!
Yep, you heard this health advocate correctly. When you are looking for a healthy bite on the road or on the quick, there’s a 7-Eleven on every corner. And it’s not the 7-Eleven we know in this country at all! Made fresh daily veggie sushi, veggie rice “sandwiches”, miso soup, raw veggies, healthy drinks, tea, fairly healthy snacks if you are into the packaged food thing. All for super cheap. I cannot tell you what a lifesaver it was on the road for us when there were practically no healthy options. Also, we decided to add fish into our diet while in Japan, and certainly glad we did. I’ve never had better fish in my life. It really felt healthy. My nails are still shiny like they’ve been shellacked. Win win.
8. VENDING MACHINES!
Super convenient and anonymous, there are vending machines all over Japan (even in remote villages) that can get you most anything you need instantly: from fermented bean drinks to green tea to hot or cold coffee to fully cooked meals to used panties. Yep, the Japanese can get weird.
Ok, so maybe the last three points are less about culture, but I had to throw them in for the “wow” factor.
I could go on and on about Japan… it’s as wide and deep and old and beautiful as it’s countryside beacon Mt. Fuji. But it has its pitfalls too. No culture is perfect. I just prefer to focus on the ideals I look up to, rather than focusing on the negatives. Their negatives are no different than America’s: too much sugar and meat in the diet, it’s a highly misogynistic society, cigarettes, stressful six day work weeks with long hours, those darn plastic bags… But we all know those are WORLD WIDE ISSUES.
Japan, you definitely stole my heart. Thank you to all who came to our shows and to those that showed us your rare style of hospitality. And a huge special thanks to my tour manager, Gus Bennett, who introduced my husband and me to this beautiful country, showed us the ropes and helped us navigate into this great unknown that will certainly be with me forever.
Mata, chikai uchini, aeruto iine.
Photo credit: Marley Parker at ML Parker Media
#travel#japan#tokyo#kyoto#health#writing#culture#lotuseye#ownyourohmhealth#thesmokingflowers#kimcollins#buddhism#shinto
1 note
·
View note
Photo
I’m over the moon excited to do my #reiki and energy work at #Bonnaroo with @rollingstone in their backstage artist VIP area and have the opportunity to work on the artists/bands etc. performing this weekend! Omg I’m so ready to give #Eminem some chakra balance. ⚡️🤙🏼⚡️ I’ll be bringing my partner in crime @lulaleigh of @holyrosenashville doing her exquisite #tarot. Together we have an intuitive arts co-op in #eastnashville that will officially be open soon.🖤 Are any friends of mine (artists or not) going to be at the Roo? Hit me up! I wanna see you! 💋. Biggest thank yous to @thislifeinspired and Emily Cox at RS. 🙏🏻 #ownyourohmhealth #energyhealing #holistichealth #nashville @bonnaroo @holyrosenashville (at Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival)
0 notes
Photo
So honored to have led a full moon ceremony last night at @atmalogy to a circle of amazing and open women filled with chakra work, reiki, water ceremony and just talking about what is important to us... the things we want to release (we burnt that crap!🔥), the things we wish to manifest. These gatherings have really opened up something in me I knew has always been there, but being able to publicly give what I have been so passionate about over the last 30 years fills my heart. Sharing is caring. Knowledge is power. Women in numbers is DEFINITELY powerful. I hope you can join me in one of the future events with @gaia.sisterhood . Until then ride this #sagittarius moon out like a 👑!🌕⚡️🖤⚡️#fullmoon #womenempowerment #ceremony #reiki #chakra (at Nashville, Tennessee)
0 notes
Photo
What to do with your spring peonies before they die? Make some peony rose mint infused water! Pick blooms (make sure plants aren’t near a road for purity and are organic), gently wash leaves, add to purified water in a pitcher with mint or any other fresh herb you are craving. Let sit in fridge for at least 12 hours (longer the better) and bam, the most subtle refreshing drink that’ll make your aura happy (strain before drinking of course). Benefits of peony help with: insomnia, anxiety, depression, autoimmune diseases, PMS, night sweats, is a blood builder, upset stomach, hair growth and more. The peony root as medicine is one of the oldest herbal remedies in traditional Chinese medicine, and peony petal water was common in the Middle Ages. 🙏🏻 The benefits of rose are even longer!
15 notes
·
View notes
Text
Detoxifying Virgo Full Moon Bath Ritual
Happy full moon in Virgo! The March 1st full moon is going to bring a grounding energy that will help us to know where we need to focus our attention... to OURSELVES. While I traditionally hold circles at my home around the fire pit for most of the full moons, this particular Virgo moon is one of solitude and reflection of self. The full moon energy literally pushes downward upon the earth, so use this time to go inward, and to reflect on your personal relationships. Instead of a group circle, bath yourself in earth elements and begin this month of March with this simple detoxifying bath ritual. Allow yourself to submerse yourself literally and figuratively, into the water and wash away any negative energy you feel is necessary to be able to be of positive emotional service to you and your loved ones.
Until our paths shall cross again, walk in love, and shine your light. I am here for you if you need anything, always and in ALL ways...
Kim
FULL MOON DETOX BATH INGREDIENTS (even the first few days after the full moon are effective times to use this detox bath):
1) Epsom Salts: 2 cups
Epsom salts are the perfect initial step to our rejuvenating soak. These special salts support our detox as they are naturally concentrated with the minerals magnesium and sulfate. Magnesium helps our muscles and organs relax and release toxic build up while sulfate stimulates our digestive enzymes making our body primed and greased to process any build up that is left. Our skin will absorb these salts as it warms and relaxes and our full moon detox process begins!
2) Baking Soda: 1 cup
I often add baking soda to my baths, but around the full moon I make sure to use this ingredient. Baking soda does several things: It has a high pH level so it neutralizes the chlorine and other chemicals in our water. It’s pH level also alkalizes our bath and bathing in this state assists us in further absorption of minerals and waste elimination. A bonus is that it has a softening effect on the skin, so that post soak we will notice how silky smooth we feel to touch.
3) Himalayan Sea Salts: ½ cup
Beautifully coloured rose pink, these salts make me think immediately of relaxation. Their hue is a good indicator of their intrinsic quality to heal us. When broken down, it has been discovered that Himalayan salts have more then 80 nutrients to replenish our skin and bodies. Salt is one of our essential nutrients and so this one helps to stimulate our muscles and also restore homeostasis from the inside out. The electrical vibration of these salts assist in further waste disposal too.
4) Essential Oils: 3-10 drops
Our full moon bath is most effective when it is a holistic experience. By adding our favorite essential oil we increase the soothing properties and our body is more able to reach its revitalization potential. For this full moon in Virgo try essential oils such as clary sage, lemon balm, or lavender.
5) White candles
Candles aid in ritual by giving us the element of fire and can put us in a meditative state. Something about a candle-lit room brings us back to our primal state and gives us a sense of our deeper self. White is the color of purity and cleansing, and plus, we are goddesses that deserve that spa like pampering that only candles can bring!
*I also like to add crystals to my bath... notably for this moon Carnelian and quartz crystals are a favorite, but choose any that call to you. (Avoid soaking soft crystals such as selenite however). xo
Photo taken by Dawn Chapman Whitty (I was shark bait ;)). Ingredients adapted by Sarah Norrad. Love and intention set by moi.
#health#healing#fullmoon#fullmoonritual#virgo#ownyourohmhealth#goddess#women#bath#bathritual#essentialoils#herbs#moon#energywork
6 notes
·
View notes
Photo
Let's talk thermography, shall we? I have passed my 5 year cancer anniversary and excited to be able to announce I'm still cancer free. ✨🙏✨ One of the ways I monitor my health is through toxic free thermography imaging. I check myself yearly with a women's wellness session with my thermographer to check not just my breasts but my whole body for any inflammation or other issues. Thermography is non invasive and a great alternative or complimentary to mammograms. (Although I have not had a mammogram since my first one 5 years ago came back negative when I actually HAD cancer. 😕) DM me if you'd like references to get your session. ✨
2 notes
·
View notes
Photo
It's Cinco de Mayo so, naturally, I made a pie. Lol. It's also strawberry season 🍓and I can't get enough of them. So the craving kicked in at 11 pm last night and I whipped this up while watching Stephen Colbert (love him). I usually make a raw pie, but my husband loves this classic, with the flaky cooked crust and “congealed” filling. The healthy twist? Crust is gluten free brown rice flour and the filling, which would usually call for A FREGGIN' CUP OF SUGAR (that's enough to shut down your immune system for a day!!) so I used monk fruit sweetener and a little stevia instead (zero sugar). Why sweeten something beyond recognition that is already naturally sweet? Mama wants to taste the REAL FOOD! What's not pictured here, and is the freakin crack addiction to my pie, is the raw "whipped cream" made of nuts and a few simple ingredients. I swear you could bath in this "cream" it's so luscious. AND it's vegan & processed sugar free. Ok I'm going to eat my breakfast now. Love to you all and happy May 5th 💋🍓❤️
INGREDIENTS for Filling:
1/4 tsp stevia plus extra monk fruit sugar to taste. OR 1/2 cup sugar-substitute of your choice. Coconut sugar does a good job and is low on the glycemic index. Although if you are on a cancer diet please use stevia or aother zero sugar substitute.
3 tablespoons arrowroot starch or potato starch
1 quart fresh strawberries (the sweeter the better! Means less stevia to add)
1⁄2 cup water
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 (9 inch) baked pie shells of choice or see brown rice flour crust below
INSTRUCTIONS:
Mix 1/2 c of the strawberries, crushed, water, sugar substitute, cornstarch, and lemon juice in a saucepan. Cook until thickened and then let chill.
Fill cooled pie shell with cooled filling and then cut remaining 1/2 fresh strawberries to desired shape (halved, sliced etc) and top the filling as desired.
Top with raw whipped cream when ready to serve.
INGREDIENTS FOR Vegan/gluten free CRUST:
1 cup brown rice flour
1/4 cup vegan margarine (or 1/4 cup cold organic butter if non-vegan)
3 tablespoons cold water
1/4 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp Himalayan Salt
1/3 cup applesauce for vegan crust or 1 egg non-vegan (egg really does help bind it)
INSTRUCTIONS FOR CRUST:
Put flour, baking powder and salt into a bowl.
Add cold butter and use a fork to mix into the dry mixture
If using an egg, add now. If not you can add the applesauce and water and then stir until sticky. I find using hands helps to mix well.
Use a piece of waxed paper to roll dough out on. Or you can simply spread it out with your hands into a 9 inch pie pan. Remember, gluten- free dough will not stick like normal gluten dough, so be patient. You’ll find it tastes better though!
Bake at 350 for 25 minutes or until golden brown
INGREDIENTS FOR RAW WHIPPED CREAM (don’t do without this!):
1 cup raw unsalted cashews OR raw macadamia nuts if on a cancer diet
1/4 cup filtered water plus more if it’s too thick
1 tsp natural vanilla extract,
1- 2 tbls pure maple syrup (to taste)
Pinch of Himalayan Salt or Celtic sea salt
Put all ingredients into blender and blast on high until well blended. Add more water if needed. Refrigerate until thickened. Will keep in fridge for up to 5 days.
0 notes
Photo
THE TREASURE CHEST…..
✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨
Five years ago today I made a decision and underwent a surgery that would affect me (as it does thousands of women) the rest of my life; Saying goodbye to one of my breasts. Saying goodbye to a “limb”. Saying goodbye to a part of what makes me a physical female. I took 6 weeks to contemplate and research to come to this decision since I was treating my cancer holistically. But ultimately, for me, to cut out this large mass lump of fucked up cells was made to give me a bit more time to how I would treat the rest of my body conflicted with cancer, without toxins.
A cancerous lump is a physical symptom that the whole body is off on a cellular level. The idea that having a mastectomy gets “rid” of cancer is not always the case and to believe so can be deadly. That’s why cancer can come back so often because it was never really dealt with at the “cause” level.
I had no idea what type of emotional/spiritual long term effects would pair with a mastectomy, even after receiving flawless reconstruction. So I set aside this day, every year, as a sort of memorial to honor myself and a tough decision I probably wouldn’t have made today with all I have learned about holistic cancer healing. But ultimately my decision, has helped me turn to my true self in a deeper way. So thank you, to my self, for being courageous at a time where I almost felt numb in disbelief and wasn’t quite sure what to do. Thank you, my self, for not feeling the vanity of losing such a part of me that was, literally and figuratively, so close to my heart. This is not about the ego, but the spirit/essence.
Today I honor all women that have experienced losing a “5th” limb that makes us innately female. Today I created a world wide empowerment day for women who have saved their lives by sacrament. Our breasts do not make us who we are, but in remembering who we once were and the choices we had to make to better ourselves can be healing. I am setting up a non-profit grant based fund called “The Treasure Chest” to help women conflicted with choice and financial burdens when it comes to treating their breast cancer; choice of non toxic cancer treatment, in which insurance companies do not recognize or compensate for. The non toxic treatment I choose saved my life in so many ways, beyond the physical, and my wish is for this to be experienced for more women dealing with cancer. More details regarding the fund coming soon. ✨✨✨
Namaste.
(Photo by Scott Collins during a photo session with Alan Messer)
1 note
·
View note
Text
Somebody’s getting spoiled
Want to know one of the keys to successfully honoring your sweet tooth craving responsibly (LOL is there such a thing?) and at the same time make your husband feel terribly spoiled even after 17 years of togetherness? Simply make sure to have the important basic raw and healthy ingredients in your cupboard at all times so that you can easily whip up deliciousness in the middle of the night when that lover of a craving calls upon your taste buds. While it wasn’t quite Valentine’s day, I felt the need to make something that seemed decadent, yet was an ease to make, and present to my hubby as he came home from a long night of work. Maybe he’ll think I slaved tirelessly to make these fancy treats for him? Maybe it’ll make him want to vacuum the house in return? Ah the joys of leveraging household tasks in a marriage. ;) But the reality is, I had some fresh organic strawberries that were staring out at me from the second shelf of the refrigerator and I wanted a quick dessert. “Dip me” they seemed to shout out. And I am not one to let a fleshy fruit down. (note: a strawberry is technically NOT a berry. Mic drop. Mind blown.) Berry or not, I came up with a classic with a twist; no sugar added raw cacao dipped strawberries with healthy toppings. Yes, you can have your proverbial cake and eat it guilt-free too.
Ok, so that just bought me about a month of toilet cleanings. Thanks honey. xox
INGREDIENTS:
Strawberries – 1 lb
Raw Cacao Powder – 1/4 cup
Coconut Oil – 1/4 cup, liquid
Stevia or Monk Fruit sugar free natural sweetner to taste
Vanilla Bean Extract – 1/4 tsp
Himalayan Sea Salt – to taste (I like to add at least 1/4 tsp or more)
TOPPINGS: (Get creative! Here are some ideas):
Goji Berries, finely chopped
Raw Almonds, finely chopped
Hemp Heart Seeds (pictured)
Chia Seeds (pictured)
Raw Cacao Nibs
Unsweetened Shredded Coconut (pictured)
INSTRUCTIONS:
Work with washed strawberries that have been throughly dried
Lightly heat coconut oil until it liquifies
Mix coconut oil with raw cacao powder, stevia (or sweetner of your choice), vanilla extract and salt.
Prepare your toppings and put in separate small bowls for dipping.
Dip strawberries into chocolate mixture. (tip: You can build the chocolate for a thicker coating if you let dry between dippings.)
While cacao is still wet on berries, roll strawberries in topping of choice, and place on wax paper to dry.
Put strawberries in refrigerator to set chocolate for about an hour before serving. This is where the coconut oil does it’s magic.
Keep strawberries in refigerator for up to 5 days.
3 notes
·
View notes
Text
Anti-inflammatory Vegan Celery and Fennel Soup
Sometimes I crave celery and I have no freakin’ idea why, as I was never a huge fan of it raw until I began my journey to a raw diet 5 years ago. Which tells me something about what my body was needing nutrient-wise during my fight to cure cancer using foods. Regardless, I now utterly LOVE celery, especially when it comes to soup.
To me, regarding cooking methods, there truly is nothing better than roasted veggies (with minimal to no oil!), especially fennel. So when I roasted celery with the fennel... Omg the combo. I threw in a couple of shallots for depth and added a few organic red potatoes (did you know potatoes have more potassium than bananas?) to give it a "creamy" consistency. Whip it all up in a blender (god bless the Vitamix) and this recipe is easy as pie! Its also nutritional power house of flavonoids, Vit C, K, folate and is an excellent addition to an anti-inflammatory diet. A trick to making sure you are absorbing all these healthy nutrients is to make sure you consume with fat. So I always drizzle olive oil on top of my soups for not only flavor but for added insurance that I am getting the most out of the nutrients.
Here’s the recipe. Enjoy! In love and health, Kim
INGREDIENTS:
8 large celery stalks cut into 1- 2 inch pieces
1 bulb fresh fennel cut into 2 inch chunks
4 large whole garlic cloves, not peeled (take peel off before adding to blender)
2 large shallots quartered
2 - 3 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
4- 5 medium redskin potatoes, peeled and cut into a 1 1/2 inch dice
8 cups low sodium vegetable broth
2 tbls fresh lemon juice
Salt and pepper for re seasoning if needed once blended
Celery leaves and fennel fronds for garnish
Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling and squeeze more lemon on top if desired
INSTRUCTIONS:
Preheat oven to 375°F.
Spread the celery, fennel, shallots and cloves of garlic on a large roasting pan. Add the salt, pepper and olive oil (leave oil out if desired) and toss to thoroughly coat. Roast in the oven for 40 to 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. I like to get the edges of the vegetables a bit brown. While the vegetables are cooking, cook the potatoes in the broth until tender... about 10 to 12 minutes. Let cool.
Once the vegetables have finished roasting, add them to the potatoes and broth and let cool. Add in batches to a high speed blender and puree in batches. If you don’t have a high speed blender you can use any blender or processor, but you may want to strain the soup through a mesh strainer, as celery can sometimes leave behind strings with these devices. Once pureed, return the soup to the pot and heat back up. Add the lemon juice now and taste for seasoning. Garnish each bowl with celery leaves and fennel fronds if desired, and drizzle olive oil and more lemon juice if desired.
#cancerfree#cleaneating#vegan#powerfood#vegetarian#health#recipe#organic#lotuseye#ownyourohmhealthandwellness#kimcollins#antinflammatory
1 note
·
View note
Text
Ch-Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes
“To keep the body in good health is a duty… otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear.”
~Buddha
With just over a week into this New Year, so begins the time-honored tradition of making those mystifying resolutions. No matter what your opinion of this tradition, there is something powerful about the idea of “starting fresh” or pushing a reset button as our MANufactured calendar flips into a new sun cycle.
2016 was definitely a hell of a ride. I understand to an extent all the social media “year hating”… it was a doozy in many ways. But should we really “hate” a year? Can you really blame a year for the way your life is? For me personally, I like to reflect at the end of the year and see where my struggles were apparent and then set out to do something about it. Yes, “turn and face the strange” time. ;) (RIP Bowie)
But maybe instead of making a big to-do with unrealistic resolutions (do they ever really stick?), we use this time to set simple daily healthy goals for the year, keep quiet about them, and then smash the heck out of them for the months to come with fierce abandon. Okay, I know, easier said then done. But what are you waiting on? Hoping change will just come to you if you wish upon it? No, the universe isn’t going to make change happen. You are. And based on what I have learned over the past several years of my own life, it boils down to this simple idea: nothing will change unless you make daily change.
Trust me, I’ve had my own challenges this past year to practice what I am speaking of here.
2016 was a tough one for me health-wise. I will admit I got a bit lazy with my healthy diet, having the mindset of “I’m out of the woods after healing my cancer…I deserve to eat French fries and pizza every now and then”! I didn’t feel guilty at all. It was somewhat entertaining and oddly liberating. But my body certainly felt it. I know how I want to FEEL after I eat and this did not feel good at all. The last thing I want is for cancer to visit me again.
I also begin my journey into menopause (I don’t care to tell the world because I’m PROUD of this landmark) and, because of the hormonal nightmare, I experienced an incredible drop in energy levels and developed serious bouts of depression for the first time in my 46 years. You wouldn’t know it. I have a way of keeping my problems to myself, because, honestly, I see these things less as my problems and more as mountains to conquer. Avenues of growth. I thank my stubborn Taurus nature for this quality! I honestly don’t know if I could have beat cancer on a strict holistic regimen these past few years with out this virtue. But a lot of humans do not see the proverbial “glass half full”… they take on their failures and turn them into guilt and that, my lovelies, only adds to stress and disease. Let’s just stop beating ourselves up already. Let’s start getting real with ourselves.
So how do we get “real” with our health?
A lot of people have emailed me asking what cleanse I suggest to start off the New Year, or how to adopt a new diet and way of eating. Instead of taking on such a huge task of a total overhaul (unless you are fighting a disease, in which an overhaul is needed), perhaps instead, you take a simpler approach. Maybe ask yourself these questions:
1. How do I want to feel after I eat?
2. What foods, after I have eaten them, make me feel the way I want to feel?
3. What am I currently eating that is not honoring my body and mind? What food/drink is making me feel like s#%!?
After answering these questions, start honoring yourself, yep, daily by eliminating ONE thing in your diet that you know should be eliminated. Example… you want to get off refined sugar? Then start by eliminating processed food and desserts. Read labels on EVERYTHING. Commit to eating more whole foods. After 2-3 months of eating this way, if you honor yourself with it daily, you’ll find your taste buds changing and you won’t want to return to your old habits of eating. But the key here is daily work.
Listen, I’m all about making things easier in this life like most of you. Life can be exhausting enough as it is. But the number one thing I see where people fail in their diet or healthy lifestyle change is that they give up before enough time has past for new habits to be formed. So maybe, the key here to making true change with our health is personal accountability.
Learning to be “accountable” simply means learning to look yourself in the eye, put trust in yourself and follow through with your goals. With each and every commitment you keep to yourself builds your self-esteem, integrity and faith.
Developing this sense of integrity will start to radiate not only into your health, but also into relationships with the wider world.
Finally, when you find this trust/integrity in yourself you develop a self-love that makes you want to take care of your body better, the vessel you shall continue to inhabit this year, and with the proper care, many happy New Years to come.
Xo Kim
(artwork credit: Norman Duenas )
Contact me for a health consult via Skype or locally in person in Nashville TN
2 notes
·
View notes
Photo
Monogrammed Muffins. © Lol
These are Scott’s favorites… Healthy and gluten free, naturally sweetened jalapeño cornbread. The monogramming was a last minute and happy accident because my jalapeños broke. 😂✔️ #markyourmuffin
Recipe:
* 3 Tbsp melted ghee (or vegan, use butter alternative)
* 1/3 c unsweetened applesauce
* 1/4 c honey
* I add a little Stevia (to taste) or you can use 1/8 cup coconut sugar
* 1 large egg (leave out if vegan, they will just not be as fluffy)
* 1 cup almond milk (or other nut milk) + 1 Tbsp vinegar
* 1 cup cornmeal
* 2/3 GF flour (such as Bob Red Mill all purpose gf flour)
* 1/2 tsp salt
* 1/2 tsp baking soda
* 2 jalapeños, seeded and divided (1 minced for batter, 1 sliced for muffin top)
Instructions:
~Preheat oven to 350 degrees F, and lightly grease muffin pan with coconut oil or olive oil.
~Put melted "butter" in a mixing bowl.
~Add applesauce, stevia, coconut sugar, honey, (egg if using) and whisk to combine.
~Next add 1 of the jalapenos, salt, baking soda, (diced and seeded) and whisk.
~Pour in nut milk and stir again until combined.
~Now add cornmeal and GF flour of your choice and stir. If it looks too thin add a little more flour. Too thick, add more nut milk.
~Pour batter evenly into 12 muffin tin pan and top each with a slice of jalapeño. You can get creative with your monogram here!
~Bake for 20 minutes, or until golden brown on top. Remove from oven and let cool for a few mins before serving.
~yum
~these will last for several days in airtight container.
0 notes
Photo
Healthy tip for 2017:
As a passionate herbalist and a mild coffee drinker (love the stuff), I am always seeking out alternatives to get my coffee fix to not drink too much of the heavenly bean juice (that acidity!). I think I've found a pretty close substitute a few years ago (although nothing can truly replace a cup of java, let's be real). But I will say, this alternative is the bomb… Its called Dandy Blend. 🙌
Made of roasted dandelion, chicory, barley, rye and beets, it's pretty damn near close to a full-bodied robust cup-o-Joe without the acidity. And I've tried all the alternatives, trust me! Dandelion root supports the healthy functioning of the liver, kidneys, spleen, and gallbladder and is considered to be a good detoxifying agent. Yessss... all that is a plus after the holiday season. I add reishi mushroom powder and the Ayurveda remedy, Shatavari, to make it a personal power house tonic.
If you're in Nashville, pop in to my fave local High Garden Tea for a bag. Or you can find it online, and start this year with a little less acidity in your life, babes.😘
1 note
·
View note
Photo
MEDICINAL MARIJAUNA
Yep that's some tall Mary Jane! I was in aromatherapy heaven in this greenhouse. It's been legalized now in 28 states!!! Whaaaaa??? Now that's dope.
While I did not use CBD oil to cure my cancer (it was not easily available for me 4 years ago) I am a big proponent of it after studying it the last couple of years and, more importantly, meeting people that have successfully cured their cancer with this natural chemical. Many of my health clients ask me exactly what CBD is, as it sometimes gets confused with THC, so I thought I'd share a couple of facts:
CBD is one of over 60 compounds found in cannabis that belong to a class of molecules called cannabinoids. Of these compounds, CBD and THC are usually present in the highest concentrations of marijuana and are therefore the most recognized and studied. CBD and THC levels tend to vary among different plants. Marijuana grown for recreational purposes often contains more THC than CBD. However, by using selective breeding techniques, cannabis breeders have managed to create varieties with high levels of CBD and next to zero levels of THC.
Unlike THC, CBD does not cause a high. While this makes CBD a poor choice for recreational users 😳, it gives the chemical a significant advantage as a medicine.
CBD is non-psychoactive because it does not act on the same pathways in our bodies as THC. These pathways, called CB1 receptors, are highly concentrated in the brain and are responsible for the mind-altering effects of THC. 🌱🙌🌱
#cbd #cancerfree #naturalhealth #plantpower #holistichealth #freetheweed (at Pot Pie Farm)
0 notes
Photo
Well I haven't posted a healthy vegan recipe post in a while. Why you may ask? Because, quite frankly, those damn apps like Postmates and Uber Eats have been making it too easy to order-in delicious gourmet local food. I got spoiled! Heavens mercy that is dangerous for me with my busy as heck schedule. My summer laziness is weakening though as this fall weather makes me want to hunker down with warm comforting home made foods that I so love to create, with that healthy twist of course.
Yes, I crave noodles. A lot. Sometimes I even eat them on a full moon. 😳 But what I love even more is to get that same noodley experience with a healthier option. Enter carrots. My local market had these beautiful organic tri-colored carrots (purple!!) that I ribbon-sliced with my mandolin (the one without strings😉) and lightly boiled for a few minutes. Topped with a roasted chickpea "ragu" sauce, it ended up more like a bolognese, worthy of mama Mia herself. Well, almost. The secret was to roast seasoned (olive oil, oregano, salt, garlic powder) chickpeas first in the oven then add half to your favorite home made vegan marinara sauce and half as a topping garnish, and for that crunch. And voila! Chickpea "Bolognese" with carrot "papperdelle"! I recognize it's not the prettiest food picture in the world, but I had to eat it before it got cold. No time for food stylin! Nuff said. ;)
From my hearth and heart to yours...
1 note
·
View note