Foods I've Eaten Lately As a Chic, Disabled (Plantbased) Girlie
Living with a traumatic brain injury & chronic conditions means that I need to be mindful of the foods I’m eating & my nutrition. We all need to do that really! But especially with my conditions, I have to give my body good food in order to be able to function & not worsen my symptoms.
Although not a full-fledged vegan, I am actually a certified raw vegan chef (I got certified at the same time I became a yoga instructor!), & am mostly plant-based as you’ll see from the dishes I made. But obviously I’m not giving up caviar.🖤
©2025 Cazoshay Marie. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Cazoshay Marie with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
D.I.D. with Cazoshay and its materials are not intended to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent any disease. All material on this blog is provided for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition, and before undertaking any diet, exercise or other health related program.
The opinions expressed on this site are that of my own and not reflective of, nor supported by, any of the organizations that I am affiliated with.
From Wreckage to Resilience: Celebrating Another Year of Overcoming and Embracing Life's Second Chance
They say that surviving a near-death experience changes you, and it couldn't be truer. Today marks the six-year anniversary since I emerged from the wreckage of a traumatic car accident, being struck by a car at 48mph while crossing the street in downtown Phoenix in 2017, and as I sit here, reflecting on the past year, I can't help but feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude and resilience. Join me on this journey as I share my thoughts on this significant milestone and the lessons I've learned along the way.
Gratitude: Surviving a traumatic accident has taught me the true value of life. It's easy to take our existence for granted, but when faced with the fragility of our mortality, gratitude becomes an essential part of our daily lives. Every sunrise, every laugh, and every embrace takes on a newfound significance. I am grateful for the simple joys and the chance to experience them once more.
Resilience: The journey to recovery has been challenging, both physically and emotionally. But through the pain and the obstacles, I've discovered an inner strength that I never knew existed. The human spirit is remarkably resilient, and it's during our darkest moments that we find the courage to persevere. I've learned to face adversity head-on, embracing the challenges and transforming them into opportunities for growth with the help of God, my family and friends.
Perspective: Surviving a traumatic car accident has gifted me with a fresh perspective on life. The trivial worries that once consumed my thoughts have faded away, replaced by a profound appreciation for what truly matters. Relationships, love, personal growth, and making a positive impact in the world have taken center stage. I've learned to let go of the insignificant and embrace the beauty of the present moment.
Healing: Physical and emotional healing takes time, and it's a journey unique to each individual. As I reflect on my healing journey, I'm proud of the progress I've made, both physically and emotionally. Healing is not linear, and there have been many setbacks along the way. But with determination and the support of loved ones, I've learned to navigate through the ups and downs, celebrating each milestone as a victory.
Empathy and Connection: Having experienced the trauma of a traumatic pedestrian-car accident, I've developed a deeper sense of empathy and compassion for others. I now understand the importance of reaching out and supporting those who may be facing their own struggles. Connecting with others who have gone through similar experiences has been invaluable, reminding me that I am not alone and that together, we can find strength in our shared stories. I am blessed to now be a speaker, content creator and disability advocate, sharing my experience and advocating for the disability community.
Surviving a traumatic car accident has forever changed me. Today, as I commemorate the six-year anniversary of that life-altering event, I am filled with a mix of emotions. Gratitude, resilience, perspective, healing, and empathy have become my guiding forces. The journey has been challenging, but it has also been transformative, reminding me of the incredible power of the human spirit. I look forward to the future with renewed determination and a deep appreciation for the precious gift of life.
©Cazoshay Marie, 2023. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Cazoshay Marie with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
D.I.D. with Cazoshay and its materials are not intended to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent any disease. All material on this blog is provided for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition, and before undertaking any diet, exercise or other health related program.
Living Water & Water for Life
Today's post has a simple, but often neglected theme...water!
John 4:14 states, "But whoever drinks from the water that I will give him will never get thirsty again—ever! In fact, the water I will give him will become a well of water springing up within him for eternal life.” (HCSB)
Jesus is the living water we are blessed to have springing up from within ourselves for eternal life, but we also need to remember to pursue having enough physical water as well.
While there is no universally accepted amount of water that's suggested to consume, it's safe to say that most of us probably aren't drinking enough, and the consequences can be severe. Read on below for more info about water...
Our cells and organs need water to function properly. Our joints are lubricated by it. It also regulates body temperature, and assists the passage of food through our intestines.
We do acquire some water from many of the foods we eat (about 20%), however most of the water we need has to come from actually drinking it.
During day-to-day functioning, our bodies use up water, even just by breathing! Therefore, water needs to be replaced on a consistent basis.
Water is vital to our kidneys, it helps dissolve minerals and nutrients so that they are more accessible to our bodies and help transport waste out.
When the kidneys are not functioning properly because of a lack of water, waste products and excess fluid can build up in the body leading to serious problems including kidney failure, kidney stones, and Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs). Some severe kidney infections can even lead to death.
Chronic kidney failure can include anemia, damage to the central nervous system, heart failure, and a compromised immune system.
Dehydration is another issue that comes with a lack of water and can also result in kidney failure.
Here's a list from Medical News Today about the other negative effects dehydration can have on your body:
Blood is more than 90 percent water, therefore, if water is in short supply, blood can become thicker and increase blood pressure.
When dehydrated, airways are restricted by the body in an effort to minimize water loss, potentially making asthma and allergies worse.
The skin can become more vulnerable to skin disorders and premature wrinkling.
The bowel needs water to function correctly. If dehydrated, digestive problems and constipation can become an issue. Dehydration can lead to an overly acidic stomach which makes heartburn more common and can encourage the development of stomach ulcers.
Cartilage, found in joints and the disks of the spine, contain around 80 percent water. If dehydration is ongoing, joints can become less good at shock absorption, which leads to joint pain.
Dehydration can affect brain structure and function. If dehydration is prolonged, cognitive ability is impaired.
In summation, water is necessary for our bodies to function properly. Drinking other fluids doesn't do the trick because since they contain other things in them, they require more filtration by the body and won't function or be processed in your system the same way plain water will.
So how much water is enough? The amount of water a person needs to drink per day varies depending on several factors including how active they are and how much they sweat. The Institute of Medicine recommends that men drink around 13 cups (3 liters) a day and women should consume around 9 cups (2.2) liters a day. To put that into perspective, that's about 3 soda liter bottles of water a day (slightly less for the ladies.) One way to help make sure you're drinking enough is to give yourself deadlines throughout the day with the amount of water you need to drink. For instance, you could say, "I will have drunk ----- cups of water by 10:00 a.m."
Drinking water can also help with calorie control because it can make you feel fuller.
Water is mentioned numerous times in the Bible. Here's a list of 107 scriptures where water is mentioned in the Bible.
Most of us are blessed to have access to clean water where even in our own country, many don't. So let's take advantage of the blessing of having clean water and make sure we're drinking enough of it!
All photos taken by Robert of Imported Pixs
©2017 Cazoshay Marie. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Cazoshay Marie with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
D.I.D. with Cazoshay and its materials are not intended to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent any disease. All material on this blog is provided for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition, and before undertaking any diet, exercise or other health related program.
The Science of Smudging: The Ancient Art of Burning Medicinal Herbs for Air Purification-UPDATED 3/5/20
#DIDYouKnow that burning medicinal herbs such as sage for one hour in a closed room actually kills 94% of aerial bacteria AND can be maintained for up to 24 hours?
My wellness mama (Wisteria, founder & creator of Needful Things Natural Home & Bodycare) first introduced me to the practice of “smudging.”
The Journal of Ethnopharmacology published a scientific paper which states that with “...using medicinal smoke it is possible to completely eliminate diverse plant and human pathogenic bacteria of the air within confined space.”
UPDATE: Another scientific paper, also published in The Journal of Ethnopharmacology, explores the topic of the efficacy of using smoke as a traditional healing method. It discusses that, “In traditional healing, the burning of selected indigenous medicinal plants and the inhalation of the liberated smoke are widely accepted and a practiced route of administration.” The researchers were able to conclude that, “results suggest that the combustion process produces an 'extract' with superior antimicrobial activity and provides in vitro evidence for inhalation of medicinal smoke as an efficient mode of administration in traditional healing.”
Incense is mentioned 194 times in the Bible. It’s so cool that God has given us everything we need here on Earth to care for ourselves; ancient healing wisdom frequently leads the way.
Besides burning sage, which also has medicinal properties, one of my favorite kinds of incense is Fred Soll’s Ancient Blend Frankincense and Myrrh.
Do you use incense or smudging herbs to clear the air in your home? What are your favorites to use?
©2017 Cazoshay Marie. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Cazoshay Marie with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
D.I.D. with Cazoshay and its materials are not intended to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent any disease. All material on this blog is provided for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition, and before undertaking any diet, exercise or other health related program.
10 Mindful Eating Practices for Portion Control & A Better Relationship with Food
In America, our food mentality tends to be "bigger is better." However, bigger portions do not necessarily equal better nutritional value. "Supersizing" our portions leads to "Supersizing" our bodies, especially when filling up on empty calories from processed and fattening foods. Below, I've outlined ten easy mindful eating practices to help you maintain a healthy relationship with food, as well as help control your food intake to only eat until your body is nutritionally satisfied.
10 Ways to Practice Mindful Eating
Ask yourself if you're really hungry, or just bored; or if you're eating just because the food is there, not because your body actually needs it.
Pay attention to the real signs of hunger: stomach growling, low energy, etc. Also, listen to your cravings. Your body is asking you for the nutrients it needs. For instance, a banana craving could mean that your body needs more potassium.
Eat slower. Your brain will have time to catch up with your body and know when you're full and that it's time to stop eating.
Chew more. Chewing your food more not only slows you down while eating (see #2) but also aids in digestion by helping to more thoroughly break down your food before it enters the rest of your digestive system.
Don't let your diet be lead by your emotions. Avoid turning to food when you're stressed, sad or otherwise experiencing emotional upheaval.
Drink water. It helps to fill you up, flush your system, and to know if you're truly hungry and need to eat or are possibly just dehydrated. If you're still feeling hungry after you drink the water, it may be time to eat.
Plan your eating. You are less likely to make a bad food choice if when and what you eat are pre-planned; that includes planning healthy snacks. This can be hard to do with busy and varied schedules, but I believe God will give us the time we need to do things right for our bodies. And, if you plan to eat before you are at the point of being ravenous, you'll be less likely to overeat.
Eat sitting down at the table with an actual plate. You are more likely to overeat if you eat standing up and/or out of containers as opposed to sitting down with an actual plate and utensils.
Eat for nutritional satisfaction. If your diet consists of healthy, whole foods that satisfy you nutritionally, you'll get full faster and only eat until your body gets what it needs. Filling up on processed and junk foods gives you empty calories that don't sustain energy or good health, as well as lead to other negative health issues. This is also what balances out the cost of eating healthier: when you only eat until you are satisfied nutritionally, you will most likely end up eating less.
Don't eat and multitask. This can also be a hard one, but think about movie popcorn. You're eating while watching the movie and before you know it, you've eaten an entire humongous bucket of popcorn all by yourself! If you are not distracted (by work, driving, the T.V., your phone, etc.) while eating, you will be much more aware of how much you are eating and when you are satisfied and it's time to stop.
BONUS TIP: Engage your other senses. At my mindful eating demos, one activity I like to do is a mindful eating practice with a single raisin. I have participants look at the raisin, feel it in their hand, and even smell it. One common observation from participants after smelling the raisin is that they can smell how sweet it is. Noticing how strong the natural sugar is in the raisin by smelling it, rather than just shoving a bunch in your mouth at one time, helps your body to recognize how much is enough. The same goes for other foods, when you engage your other senses while eating, not only do you gain a greater appreciation for what you're eating, but your brain and body can work together intuitively to decide if and how much of the food you actually need.
©2017 Cazoshay Marie. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Cazoshay Marie with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
D.I.D. with Cazoshay and its materials are not intended to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent any disease. All material on this blog is provided for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition, and before undertaking any diet, exercise or other health related program.
The Launch of Community Hip Hop Yoga
Last week I had the privilege of launching my very special Community Hip Hop Yoga classes. Launched in conjunction with my 30th birthday, this class is one that's near and dear to my heart. I offer this class at a discounted rate so that cost won't be a hindrance for those without a ton of disposable income to devote to health and wellness. I'm a single mom so trust me, I get it. My goal is to make health and wellness accessible to our communities and help alleviate some of the issues that we face in the process.
Yoga is a safe space. Besides the obvious physical benefits, so many of our issues (physical and otherwise) relate back to stress and the internal pain that so many carry with them on a daily basis. Through my classes, students have an opportunity to take time for self care and to mentally and emotionally let go of things that are not serving them.
This class is fun! I'm not your typical yoga instructor and the soundtrack for the class makes that very obvious from the beginning. Everything from Yasiin Bey to Erykah Badu; Common, Snoop Dogg and of course, A Tribe Called Quest; I encourage my students to laugh, dance and sing their way through class. Hey, it's about having a good time, and if you're singing (or rapping!), you're breathing!
This class is just the beginning. Soon I'll also be offering raw vegan food workshops and other community wellness events, some in partnership with other amazing wellness professionals and groups. I'm also taking my classes on the road and will be posting details soon about bringing DID with Cazoshay to your city!
