certified organic woman

reiki. raw food. body ecology. green abundancy.

October 15, 2009 · 2 Comments

Mommie and Dougie

Wanna dance? Well, I’d love to help you find more reasons to!

How about waking each morning inspired, energized and free from pain? Or building your career from passion?

I used to think this stuff wasn’t possible. I used to think that sickness and debt were inevitable parts of life. Until my son fell into autism and became very sick. I wanted so much more for him. And I knew that we could find true health and happiness if we changed our outlook a bit.

Pulling my son Dougie through the toxic overload of autism has done way more than just CHANGE my outlook. Dougie taught me the simple answers to healing and fulfillment. Dougie solidified my purpose.

Now, I’ve decided to attract love, wellness and success.

I’m Gina LaVerde. My name means “The Green.” I drink green, eat green and believe that the answer to gaining green is going green.

Let me help you take baby green steps to your own bliss!

Enjoy intuitive energy healing with Reiki, nutritional coaching with Body Ecology and raw foods, and some totally rockin classes and events.

I do in-person and distance healings and consults.

Talk to me!

Gina@healartfully.com 773-540-9328

Check out Heal Artfully, Our Latest Gift of Abundancy

→ 2 CommentsCategories: green living

Random Acts of Reiki Take 3

October 15, 2009 · 2 Comments

mothering widgetYesterday Dougie asked me to Reiki his Thomas the Tank Engine blow-up-bed. So, in the midst of folding and packing for our move — I held my hands over his little bed and let the Reiki flow. You should’ve seen the satisfaction on his face. “Thank you, Mommy,” he said – and then literally laid his head down to sleep.

I love how children are so receptive to energy. I love how he’s calm when I’m calm and he shares my frustration out loud when I hold it in – and shows me what energy does to him. The good and the bad.

Today’s Random Reiki Fact: Reiki can be done through a mother to reach her child. A mom can send Reiki to her child with intention. A practitioner can use Reiki on a mother’s body to affect the child. Mother-Child connections are profound, and I have discovered that it doesn’t take effort at all to achieve this. The energy just knows where to go.

Remember, Reiki literally means “spiritually guided universal energy.”

One can be formally attuned to this practice in order to use it on a wide scale, and feel it deeper within the self. However, I used energy to heal my son form the moment I knew he existed. Sometimes, moms just need to be lightly reminded that it’s okay to use instinct and energy in raising and caring for our babies.

And in that light,

Today’s Random Reiki Act: To that mom out there whose baby is suffering with an illness or confusing diagnosis, I am here for you. I will gift you with a 1 hour session for you and your child, and will show you how you can make good use of this healing technique at home. Just post a brief comment below if you know that this is for you.

If you’re not a mom, pass this along to anyone you think may benefit. Plenty more gifts to come.

Catch up with:

Random Acts of Reiki and Random Acts of  Reiki Take 2

Shine on!

And, if you or a loved one is aiming toward recovery from autism, childhood illness or any  other form of toxic manifestation — check out my Heal Artfully program. It’s a 12 week complete support system to help you reach the beauty of recovery as we have.

G

→ 2 CommentsCategories: autism recovery · detox · energy healing · green living · vegan stuff · wellness coaching
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Random Acts of Reiki take 2

October 14, 2009 · 7 Comments

doog in a tree

Hi Lovelies!

Yesterday’s Random Acts posting was a great success. I’m excited to share some of this healing energy with Kerri who won the session. And I’ve got more for you today.

Random Reiki Fact: Reiki is based on five principals. You can say these principals to yourself to help you in your own life. They are:

  1. “Just for Today I will not be angry”
  2. “Just for today I will not worry”
  3. “Just for today I will be grateful”
  4. “Just for today I will do my work honestly”
  5. “Just for today I will be kind to every living thing”

These principals are not exclusive to Reiki. But living them helps to stay present. When we say “just for today…” it becomes easier for our minds to live the principal. Often we are bombarded with wanting to fix everything at once. I love these principals. They bring me peace because they are so easily accomplished.

Tell me what you think.

Random Reiki Act: Today’s Random Acts of Reiki comes straight from my huge but dorky heart. Yes, that’s right – I got some music trivia for you. But, you’ve gotta think a bit to get the answer cuz you won’t find this song on today’s top 20 pop chart.

So here’s the deal – finish the line of this song and tell me who sings it and you win. First one to reply with the correct answer gets a free 30 minute Reiki session with me.

Remember we can do a distance healing or in person in Santa Monica.

Here’s the song quote:

“Hello, baby hello haven’t seen your face for a while. Have you….”

What comes next?

Hurry quick.

And if you know this without Googling it you’re super cool!

G

→ 7 CommentsCategories: autism recovery · energy healing · green living

Heal Artfully: A 12 week Journey to Autism and Toxicity Recovery

October 14, 2009 · 2 Comments

Let’s Redesign the Scenes of Life

mommy dougie loveSo, you’ve been struggling through illness, caring for someone whose condition scares and confuses you. You are full of love and light and in need of a little inspiration to help you find the way.

Maybe with just a bit more rest or a bit more direction you could envision the whole shimmery recovery.

Welcome to Heal Artfully where we will redesign the scenes of your life together.

Life doesn’t just happen to you, my friend. You Happen to life.

And, with some more structure and constant love and inspiration, you will begin to learn how to turn disease and discontent into absolute bliss.

I have moments of pure amazement and gratitude each day. Many moms do. Oh, the chills I get when my little boy discovers something new, expresses himself differently, or simply smiles because HE GETS IT. I’m overwhelmed with love and satisfaction as I watch him grow. And each day, he has a new breakthrough. He’s 5 now and living healthfully and peacefully and as cute as any other five year old. Except, he glows. Dougie glows with the light that can only shine through someone who has overcome as much struggle as he has. He has the essence of peace that seems to come when one has really seen the darkness.

With him, I feel in the presence of ancient wisdom and understanding. I cannot wait to see what else he has in store for me.

Dougie has overcome the misunderstood cloud of toxicity known as autism because our family took charge of his health and began detoxing and rebuilding his body, mind and spirit in ways that support life’s natural flow.

His recovery has taught me more lessons than I can count. But, perhaps most importantly I have learned the nature of disease and illness. I have come to understand sickness as a manifestation of toxicity in the body that can be caused by physical, energetic, spiritual, emotional and/or mental poisons, and can therefore be cured by using the physical, spiritual, mental and emotional medicines.

We have incorporated each and every one of these healing modalities into our daily lives and the results have been miraculous. I have found that dietary changes support emotional and mental health and that emotional healing techniques can improve digestion and balance etc. Nature gives us all of these tools for free. And, when we use them properly we open the doors to complete health and happiness.

mommy and dougie eating apples!

I know how it feels when it seems you’ve lost a loved one to illness, yet they still live and breathe and cry out to you for help. But, you can rediscover their blessings. They can heal and so can you. The souls that recover from such toxic overloads are quite magnificent beings and have so many lessons to teach us.

The healing program that I designed for my son healed my entire family. Where there was anger there is no more. Where there was depression, resentment, infections, confusion, pain—there is no more.

Now I have some healing to spread to you.

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it a zillion times — the road to wellness can be so easy if you have the right kind of support. And that is my gift to you.

Caregiver Love

In times of grave family illness caregivers MUST be well cared for.

Moms, Dads, daughters, sisters, best friends – you are someone’s hero. You are the caregiver who can help recover your loved one. But who cares for you? Do you realize that if you had just a bit more help you could project the image of health that you wish your loved one to achieve?

I designed the Heal Artfully program to support caregivers and parents throughout their journey to achieve better health for their loved ones. This is a program where ultimate health matters most, hope is constant and labels are thrown out the window.

Mommie and Dougie

Whether you’re recovering from what is being called cancer, autism, alzheimer’s, diabetes, or any other disease, you have the capability of healing. Our bodies were designed to heal themselves. Sometimes we just need a little nudge in the right direction.

And that is why I am here.

For 12 weeks you will receive

  • Daily email coaching with Mantras and answers to any of your questions
  • Delicious Healing Recipes that can help detox and rebuild immunity
  • Specialized tips to get picky eaters and reluctant patients to adapt to a healthier routine
  • Instructions for detoxing the home both physically and energetically
  • Guides for sensory, energy, sound, movement healing
  • Guidance for detox support through colon therapy, skin brushing, castor oil packs
  • Tips on emotional freedom techniques
  • Physical exercises
  • Outside resources for practitioners, books, websites and ideas that support your journey and your needs.

The Certified Organic Woman Heal Artfully program is for those of you who are dealing with the toughest of health struggles.

I have incorporated

  • A 1 hr phone consult
  • 10 day prep period for you to begin understanding the science behind this system
  • A personalized strategy for using the body ecology/antiviral diet to overcome major illness and ample time to work up to this way of eating
  • Complete guides to rebuilding your pantry step by step and on a budget
  • Games and activities that can be used with children and adults to teach or re-teach skills
  • Monthly conference calls
  • A natural flow to how you receive information so that you can understand it, use it and continue learning from it in the future.

Labels can be thrown out the door! There is a thriving human being underneath the confusion of diagnosis and modern stressors.

The Certified Organic Woman Heal Artfully program focuses on the Body Ecology Diet written by Donna Gates (which is a probiotic rich diet focused on gut health); raw foods; blended foods; ph balanced eating; healing herbs; super foods; highest quality absorbable dietary supplements; Reiki and energy healing; sensory therapy; sound and movement therapy inspired by Gabrielle Roth; and the Waldorf school system created by Rudolf Steiner.

Your journey will be different than mine. You may experience things that neither of us expected. But you will be well equipped with the most up to date information and practical advice on natural health, and I guarantee you will have the strength to see it through. Let’s hold hands through it. I think we can do amazing things together.

Can’t wait to begin working together!

Gina LaVerde


Certified Organic Woman Heal Artfully Program:

$350 per family or share the cost of $600 with a friend

Payments may be made through PayPal to gina@healartfully.com or you may send a check to Gina LaVerde McDermott to 4747 Lincoln Mall Dr suite 304 Matteson, IL 60443

Once registered we will set up your one hour consult to kick off the artful healing.

Click here to sign up

Email gina@healartfully.com with any questions or comments.


Gina LaVerde is a certified Reiki practitioner, Body Ecology Coach and mom who has recovered her son from autism. She has studied Autism and Digestive Recovery with Donna Gates of the Body Ecology diet and continues to further her education in natural health. She is not a doctor and her help should be viewed as educational material. She is a coach and intuitive energy healer who created this system to heal her sick family and has had success using it with many clients. You are encouraged to do your own research and seek professional medical advice when needed. This system is non invasive and can be complimentary to any traditional therapies you wish to receive.


Click here to sign up

→ 2 CommentsCategories: autism recovery · detox · energy healing · green living
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Random Acts of Reiki

October 13, 2009 · 23 Comments

gigi meditatingReiki is a beautiful healing art that I was introduced to two years ago after an amazing personal healing experience I had with Dougie. I have always been able to use my hands to heal Dougie. But, when I was thousands of miles away from him and couldn’t come home to take care of his pain – I found that my healing power could work despite the distance.
Almost immediately after that I was lead to several Reiki Masters and energy healers who began explaining to me what I was doing. They taught me the art. Soon I became attuned to Reiki and began using it professionally to help many people find healing.
Giving and receiving Reiki is truly an amazing feeling. And I want to share it more!
In honor of my cross country move from Chi Town to L. A., I’m going to be giving away tons of Reiki Gifts and sharing some basic knowledge of the art so that you can begin to enjoy it for yourself.

Today’s Random Reiki Fact: The word Reiki is composed of 2 Japanese words: Rei, meaning universal or spiritual and Ki, meaning energy. It involves allowing universal energy to flow through the practitioner and into the recipient for purposes of good. As the practitioner becomes aware and in control of universal energy they also receive healing as they work!


Today’s Random Reiki Act
:
Today I am offering free 30 minute Reiki session to the 11th person to comment on this posting. If You’re in Los Angeles/Santa Monica area you get an in-person session! Distance healings are pretty amazing too! I’ll announce a new winner and a new Reiki gift each day for the next 11 days.

→ 23 CommentsCategories: energy healing · green living

The Magic of Bio Algae Concentrates for autism Recovery video 2

August 30, 2009 · Leave a Comment

We’ve had quite an amazing summer full of healing, learning and love! We’ve been on the move and are in transition from Chicago to L.A. so please forgive the late update on Dougie’s experience with Bioage algae supplements.

He has been using them now for just over 2 months and we continue to see improvements. BUT, I must warn that he went through some detox and we did have to tweak the dosage in order for us to feel comfortable with the supplement.

If you are considering using this for yourselves or your children I think it’s a fabulous idea. You can email Dr. Roland Thomas at Roland@Bioage.com for information on the proper dosage and blend for you.

Here is a breakdown of what we have seen. The good, the bad and the honest!

The Doctor’s suggested dosage based on email correspondence of Dougie’s condition:

Three capsules of F2 and three capsules of F3 alternated throughout the day and combined with lots of healthy water.

As I have stated before, these micro algae concentrates are hailed to be the perfect food, offering the body the ability to HEAL. So, unlike other supplements that are intended to “fix something” it gets absorbed and helps create vitamins in the gut as well as absorb nutrition from other foods. They are designed to fix the source of the problem.

Doctor Thomas also suggested that we try Bio Age without any other supplements. I wasn’t so sure about that. But, our supplements are all whole-food based, like hemp, chia, mineral powders, milk thistle etc. I assumed I would need to cut down on them, but didn’t want to take them all away.

It turned out that after 2 pills in one day Dougie was so wiped out that he took a five hour nap. This continued for a week and we were only able to get 2 pills (1 of each) into him. There just wasn’t enough time for more.

After 2 weeks on the supplement I was able to get all 6 pills into his system but couldn’t find much more time for other supps.  He remained on a very healthy diet (mostly raw vegan and Body Ecology).

We noticed improvements in fine motor skills right away. He began cutting with scissors and using a pen. He was also talking more (which is usual for him. His speech improves EVERY day).

We only had Dougie on the 6 pill suggested regime for three days when he really started to seem very unsettled. Even with his improved speech and fine motor skills, he began stuttering a lot of his speech and he began crying so much more. He spent lots of time crying and even began hitting himself on the head, throwing himself to the ground and sometimes tripping and falling.  Some of his injury was out of unsteadiness and some was out of frustration. So he was falling both accidentally and intentinally.

I couldn’t help but feel that his body was releasing toxins of some sort.

I wrote Dr. Thomas about my concerns and this is what he said:

IT IS A PROCESS…  THE REGULATING HYPOTHALAMUS-AXIS IS ENGAGED AND THE CHRONIC PATTERNS ARE BEING ADDRESS OVER TIME…  IN TIME EVEN THE HYPOTHALAMUS GETS BETTER ALONG WITH THE GLANDS, THE ORGANS AND ALL THEIR INDIVIDUAL METABOLIC FUNCTION….  BUT NEVER FORGET THAT IT IS A WHOLE SYSTEM WORKING IN HARMONY…

I now feel that this is a great supplement. But, since we are on such great diet, it may be a bit too much for him to handle so much of it. His body is working hard to heal each day.

Dougie now takes 1-2 of each pill (F2 and F3) every day. His body cannot handle much more. He is healing wonderfully. The Bioage makes him quite tired and he is taking great naps. He wakes up refreshed and calm. He used to often wake up crying and unsettled.

Check out this video to see some of our earlier triumphs.  Much more has happened and I will share soooooooooooooooooooooon!

more about “The Magic of Bio Age Algae for autis…“, posted with vodpod

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Listen Now: Autism Undone Webinar

August 26, 2009 · 2 Comments

I’m so happy to share this part of our journey with you. I hope it inspires you.

Let me know if you have any questions

Our children are wonderful beings of light that often come to bring us to a deeper understanding of our own life’s purpose. We always want the best for them. When recovering our babies from something as complicated and widely misunderstood as autism — it’s common to be faced with confusion, frustration, fear and guilt.

This road is nothing short of a spiritual journey. I’m on it. And, I am in a place where I feel the desire to share as much as I can.

Parents need community!Please join Christina Allen and me as we candidly discuss the methods we’ve successfully used to bring our own families and clients to optimal health.My son Dougie was officially diagnosed with autism two years ago and now enjoys vibrant health and shows almost no signs of autism.Christina’s two boys have been severely afflicted with chronic infections and allergies. She has pulled them out of their sickness slumps and is experiencing the joys of wellness that every mom deserves!

This call covers:

  • Raw Food and Body Ecology principals that can easily be incorporated into any lifestyle for further healing.
  • The digestive connection to autism and how probiotic and cultured foods play a huge role in gut health
  • The importance of baby steps for full recovery
  • Energy and sensory therapies that help create a well rounded healing regime at home

Moms – you are the center of your children’s lives –and, quite possibly the ones who will have to ultimately take on this challenge of healing your little bundles of joy. Christina and I will take care to offer you useful grounding and energetic exercises to keep you going strong.

→ 2 CommentsCategories: green living

Free Webinar! Autism Undone: Healing the Toxic Overload

July 20, 2009 · 8 Comments

HPIM1702

Our children are wonderful beings of light that often come to bring us to a deeper understanding of our own life’s purpose. We always want the best for them. When recovering our babies from something as complicated and widely misunderstood as autism — it’s common to be faced with confusion, frustration, fear and guilt.
This road is nothing short of a spiritual journey. I’m on it. And, I am in a place where I feel the desire to share as much as I can. Parents need community!

Please join Christina Allen and me as we candidly discuss the methods we’ve successfully used to bring our own families and clients to optimal health.
My son Dougie was officially diagnosed with autism two years ago and now enjoys vibrant health and shows almost no signs of autism. Christina’s two boys have been severely afflicted with chronic infections and allergies. She has pulled them out of their sickness slumps and is experiencing the joys of wellness that every mom deserves!

Sign Up Here

This call will cover:

    • Raw Food and Body Ecology principals that can easily be incorporated into any lifestyle for further healing.
    • The digestive connection to autism and how probiotic and cultured foods play a huge role in gut health
    • The importance of baby steps for full recovery
    • Energy and sensory therapies that help create a well rounded healing regime at home

    Moms – you are the center of your children’s lives –and, quite possibly the ones who will have to ultimately take on this challenge of healing your little bundles of joy. Christina and I will take care to offer you useful grounding and energetic exercises to keep you going strong.

    We encourage you to send in questions in adavnce so that we can give full attention to our answers.

    The final 20 minutes of the call will be dedicated to answering your impromptu questions.

    You will be able to listen from your phone or computer.

    Reserve your Space Now!

    Looking forward to connecting with you all!

    Gina

    → 8 CommentsCategories: green living

    Vaccines Cause Micro Vascular Strokes: More info I Shared on the Raw Mom Summit

    June 25, 2009 · 2 Comments

    I’m constantly asked my opinion on the connection between vaccines and autism. And, while I have a strong opinion, it’s extremely important to me that you keep yourself informed on the facts. I have provided links to very helpful information. Please take the time to click.

    Here are the Facts of Our autism Life

    • My son was born with several complications but developed normally for 12 months
    • He spoke, identified things and walked at 9 months (small words like “yellow” and “mommy”)
    • My son was vaccinated 24 times by the age of 2.
    • He got sick immediately after his last set of vaccines
    • He had never previously needed prescription medicine
    • I did not allow him to receive the MMR
    • My son was diagnosed with autism without having ever received the vaccines most commonly blamed for autism.
    • My son’s toxicity screening shows levels of metals, pollutants and chemicals that are also located in vaccines.
    • These toxins are also in water, air, food, home environment etc.
    • The detoxification of these pollutants through diet and sensory/energy healing has taken away the illness and side effects of what is called autism.
    • We never had money for much testing so I had to rely on my own study and intuition
    • We could tell by process of elimination and experimentation that my son was sensitive to many foods and was not absorbing his nutrition.
    • We suspected an overload of toxicity including, candida, parasites and the toxins which did show up on his screening.
    • We treated for Candida, parasites, metals and pollutants through diet and found that he is now better absorbing his nutrition and really beginning to soar developmentally

    Here are some of the FACTS that helped me along my journey

    • Live viruses found in tissue of children with autism: This reports  three cases, but I have contact with people who have developed measles while detoxing.  This means that the virus was in them and could not come out. Once they release the virus, they are one step closer to health. Donna Gates, of Body Ecology has a belief that viral infections are also an underlying problem (another toxin in the overload) of autism. Her Diet, the Body Ecology diet has a specific step to address this viral infection.

    If the immune system is down it can let it other pollutants and parasites that would otherwise be pushed out through natural means. These parasites grow, feed off of our food and harbor disease.

    Here’s some additional vaccine safety info that I hope will help you

    I am not in the business of blaming any one person, doctor, vaccine, parasite or poison for my son’s illness. And, while I have decided not to vaccinate any more I will also say that recovery and complete wellness are about much more than simply not vaccinating. I am also of the opinion that vaccines cause harm to everyone, even if they don’t result in a diagnosis of autism.  Check out the CDC’s website for yourself. We are experiencing disgusting rates of allergies, asthma, food sensitivities, digestive issues and auto immune issues, obesity. All of these illnesses can be traced back to toxicity. And, to me vaccines are just another form of toxicity. For some, they are too much to handle and unfortunately, many of us find out after the fact. You have choices.

    Perhaps vaccines actually do stop the spread of contagious diseases. The doctors and scientists whom I have spoken with truly do not know the answer to that. But The CDC will say that vaccines do work to do what they were meant to do, and that they are not related to autism.

    So, what it comes down to is that it’s up to us to decide what’s best for us. It’s not enough to simply take away poison. We must feed our bodies pure health through food, thoughts, emotions, energy and exercise in order to thrive.

    I feel the need to express that if you are a parent of a child with a” disability”  illness or autism I am on your side and I respect your journey, your outlook, your decisions and your rights to those decisions. If I can help you bring your child to better health I am here for you, even if we see things a bit differently. This is a reflection of my life, experience and study. I am open to any information that will bring health and happiness to my family.

    Love and Light,

    Gina

    → 2 CommentsCategories: autism recovery · detox · green living
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    Fermented Foods for Gut Healing: Coconut Kefir and Cultured Beets — Recipes I talked about on the Raw Mom Summit

    June 24, 2009 · 18 Comments

    beetsMore times than not my counter top’s full of sizzling mason jars spreading their sour stink throughout our poorly ventilated apartment. My hubby and I used to argue about “the way I eat” and how it would drive him bonkers. But he’s settled down ever since I started sneaking spoonfuls of it into his shakes.
    We ferment all kinds of veggies and drinks in our home and we do it for the sake of gut healing. See, gut problems lead to indigestion and malnutrition — undigested foods turn into toxins, and organs malfunction and allow other toxins to grow and thrive. With my son, the label makers liked to call this autism. Autism usually comes with horrific gut issues. And, I learned, that by repairing the gut we allow for the whole body to heal.

    We began our recovery with fermented young coconut water (coconut kefir). I am blessed to have found this. Because it was coconut kefir and coconut kefir alone that helped clear the terrain for deeper healing. Kefir brought back eye contact where there was none. Kefir helped him focus. Kefir changed the bacterial make up in his gut, and he began craving greener foods. Soon, he loved all of his green veggies. And, we all know that green is good! Green heals!
    Once I had the kefir in my own system as well – I could see the light at the end of the autism tunnel and it was bright!

    Soon, my motto for health through food became Green it, Blend it, Ferment it. I use Body Ecology controlled culture starters to ferment, and I highly recommend this if you or your children have severe digestive problems.  You can ferment wildly like so many of our raw friends do. But, BED’s starters are very hearty and have been specifically formulated with bacterial strains to conquer candida, create vitamins, and assimilate nutrients from food and more.
    When you ferment food you save the body time digesting. You make the nutrients more readily absorbable. You promote detox. The body begins to heal because it’s finally receiving the proper nutrition from every bite. So, even if your child lacks HCL (hydrocholoric acid) in the stomach and  has a hard time digesting everything he eats – fermented foods take hold and share their love inside his body. That’s why it’s such a necessary step when trying to undo the autism mess.  I advise my clients to begin with a tablespoon of coconut kefir each morning as a first step in the recovery journey. They can usually work their way up to a quart of the amazing drink within time.

    Here’s my method of kefir making:

    You’ll need:
    1 box (9) young coconuts (which can be purchased most inexpensively at your local Asian market)

    1 pack Kefir Starter

    I glass pitcher

    3-4 sterile quart sized mason jars

    1. Begin with room temp (75 degrees or warmer) coconuts and starter pack
    2. Open 3 coconuts (I just poke hole right below the tip with a screwdriver), and pour into glass pitcher. Make sure that the water is clear and not pink or brown.
    3. Pour that liquid into one jar.
    4. Add the kefir starter.
    5. Lightly stir
    6. Close the jar and let it sit out for 24-36 hrs.
    7. Then, split that batch into 2 jars.
    8. Add fresh coconut water from 3 more coconuts.
    9. Close jars and let sit for another 24 hrs.
    10. Repeat until you have used all of your coconuts.
    11. Refrigerate.

    When the coconut water ferments it becomes a bit cloudy, bubby and tastes a little like champagne, you may sense that it smells like bread or beer and that’s fine. Don’t toss it if it doesn’t smell like roses. Sometimes the jars talk, sizzle, make  funky sounds and even vibrate and move on your counter top. Seriously! So, if there’s tons of action coming from a jar, I’d watch out. Tops do pop off. Handle this with komucha care. Every batch won’t ferment at the same pace.  Too much bubbling could mean it’s done fermenting and you can take a drink. Each jar of kefir can ferment about seven more jars. So you will want to leave about a ¼ cup of this magic juice in each jar to start the next batch.
    No need to go too fast when embarking on your fermentation journey. There’s plenty of time to experience the magic. Check out the recipe in this issue of Health in High Heels! Just promise me you’ll go slowly with the kiddos. This stuff is very detoxing and chances are that they’ll be releasing a lot. The detox will be amazing if you support it with colon therapy, skin brushing, spa baths, energetic and emotional reinforcement as well as good old fashioned sleep.
    Reactions to probiotic foods like kefir are really as varied as our kid’s symptoms. Some kids get hyper for a while others disconnect. It’s generally a sign that the body is pushing out the old. The body really wants to heal.  If you sense that embracing fermented foods as part of your autism healing plan is something you need to do for your child, then please don’t hesitate to contact me for help and support along the way. We can make healing easy if we do it together.

    PS. The coconut meat can also be fermented with about a tablespoon of Kefir. This takes about 12 hours. You can do it overnight and wake up to a yummy raw yogurt in the morning!

    Enjoy!

    “Hey Liver Toxins — Beet It” Fermented Beet Salad

    (Originally published on Health in High Heels)

    Ingredients:
    5 lbs red beets, shredded in food processor
    Tons of dill
    Juice of 4-5 lemons
    2 cloves garlic
    Caraway seeds to taste
    About ¼ cup raw apple cider vinegar
    Few cabbage leaves
    Pure water
    1 green apple
    Few stalks of celery
    1 culture starter from Body Ecology

    Equipment:
    Tiny glass
    Humongous mixing bowl
    Sterile quart-sized mason jars

    Process:

    1. Empty room temp starter culture into 4 oz warmish water and set aside
    2. Shred your beets and add to mixing bowl
    3. Finely chop half of your dill and add that to mixing bowl
    4. Blend 1 green apple, about 4 cups water, handful of beets, celery, garlic and lemon juice and the remainder of dill in Vitamix or really good blender.
    5. Add water/culture starter mix to your blender.
    6. Pour liquid mixture over beets and mix well.
    7. Stuff your outrageously clean mason jars with these cultured vegetables leaving about 1.5 inches at top.
    8. Roll up some cabbage leaves and place atop each jar before sealing…. This helps prevent explosion.
    9. Seal tightly and run under hot water and wipe clean.
    10. I always do a blessing or intention on my veggies…. you can do this now if you choose.
    11. Ferment for 5-10 days at room temp.

    The longer you ferment… the more sour they become.

    Enjoy!

    This is a very cleansing food, so begin trying them in small amounts. You can use this mix as a dip for blue corn chips, raw chips, a topping for any salad or wrap, mixed with a nut or seed cheese for extra zing. Or you can even sprout some quinoa and/ or sesame seeds, blend them together and make dehydrated crackers with it. Very yummy, still raw — and possibly easier to get the kids to love.

    Image Credit: Beet It, By Darwin Bell

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