I hope this article finds you in a space where you feel renewed and rejuvenated as we embark on a new calendar year. As the old saying goes: “out with the old and in with the new.”
Readers may know that I’m a vegan chef and restaurant consultant based in Los Angeles. Some may also know me as a visual artist, musician or entrepreneur. Many things interest me in life. I’m grateful for having the ability to work doing the things I love. I value my health, family, personal autonomy and my efforts towards personal development. I also value community engagement as both a student and teacher
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It’s unfortunate that sayings like “new year, new me” have become cliche and stigmatized in contemporary culture. So much so, that uttering the words “new year, new me” within a group setting may elicit eye rolls, blank stares or a few snarky remarks. Yet there is something significant about entering a new year that causes me to pause and prepare for the new season. The new year is an opportune time for goal setting, planning and visualization.
The holidays tend to be crammed with familial obligations. This can be true for those who don’t even celebrate Christmas. Time spent surrounded by the ones you love is time well spent. The same can be said about preparing for the future. What are some things we can do to help clear our minds and bodies before we start the new cycle? In the spirit of empowerment I’d like to share my routine for how I closed out 2021.
Liquid Feast
I’m a strong proponent of juicing and juice fasting. So much so that I typically do a lengthy year end juice fast. I juice for a period of 30-40 days. No solid foods, strictly water, fresh pressed fruit juice, fresh vegetable juices, coconut water and fresh coconut milk.
As a plant based chef I’ve developed a rich assortment of juice recipes. My home kitchen is also stocked with an assortment of gadgets and tools that enable me to create new recipes on the fly. However I don’t believe you have to be a chef in order to tap into the wonders of fasting.
It’s important for me to note that it has also taken me years of practice in order to make this type of fast doable. It’s also advised that anyone attempting to do a fast should speak to a medical professional beforehand.
My earliest attempts at doing 24 or 48 hour fasts were often extremely challenging from an emotional and energetic standpoint. Other people may have an easier time than I did and some people may find it more difficult.
As I consume my rich and colorful assortment of daily juices my body begins a process of purging. During this period I spend a substantial amount of time resting. Resting allows for the body to repair itself. Various aches and pains subside as each passes. The energy my body typically allocated for digestion is now being used for repair. This is one of the main reasons doctors advise us to jot eat late at night before bedtime.
While I tend to move slower during this process I am still considerably busy writing, consulting, managing social media accounts and meal prepping for clients. I also spend my time cleaning and organizing my home. Clearing it of anything I no longer wish to keep. I listen to mostly relaxing music. I move at a more relaxed pace and I experience a heightened sense of clarity.
I attempt to expand and sustain this feeling of relaxation but never in a forceful manner. I attempt to bring this renewed sense of clarity and calm into my interactions and my travels.
At some point in this period I begin to do some personal inventory. I examine my routines, habits and my goals and compare that to how I’ve actually been living.
I attempt to take a deep dive within to assess my feelings of wellness. I ask myself a series of questions starting with: How do I feel? What do I need to let go of? Where in my life am I being consistent? Where am I not?
Should you choose to ask yourself these types of questions please bear in mind that an immediate response isn’t necessary. Rather an honest and authentic response is what makes this activity useful. A response that is both immediate and authentic may suggest there is a balance of passion and preparation in an individual. Perhaps these people feel a deep sense of alignment and purpose in who they are and what they do.
What is my big picture?
More joy and an abundantly rich and purposeful life. A life rich in experiences and service. While I embrace monetary and material wealth I have a worldview similar to that of Bob Marley, where I believe the richness of life doesn’t start or end with money. Life brings me many simple joys. It’s a joy to watch friends and family grow and succeed. It’s a joy to work on my jump shot or my beginner boxing skills. It’s a joy to have a good conversation with a stranger, or to paint, or make music. It’s a joy to live in an interesting city like Los Angeles especially as a native and longtime resident of Brooklyn, NY.
Why do I write for Flavor Fix?
I love cannabis. I love everything about it. I only know it as a magnificent healing plant. I’m committed to learning as much as I can about this plant in the course of my lifetime. I’m also committed to sharing as much as I can. Oh and I’ll certainly be sharing some stories about the wonders of fresh cannabis juice soon!
I’m a storyteller so when the opportunity to write for Flavor Fix arose I saw it as a vehicle for sharing interesting stories about the world of cannabis. I also saw it as an opportunity to connect with a new audience and foster new relationships.
I love making connections with great people. Great relationships are the cornerstone to a rich life.
No Mistakes Allowed!
In 2022 I’ll be launching an Indiegogo campaign in an effort to finance the publication of my first cookbook entitled No Mistakes Allowed.
The title is a reference to a famous line from Eric B. & Rakim’s hip hop classic “Eric B is President”. No Mistakes Allowed isn’t a cookbook about not having the freedom to make mistakes. Instead the book shall encourage culinary exploration at every step. The recipes are for everyday people who would like to develop more versatility in the kitchen with regards to plant based foods.
The book will also provide a platform for which I can do some storytelling and tell the stories behind some of my favorite dishes. As a chef every dish has a story. I’ve been inspired by so many others and by so many facets of life.
People often want to know when I became a chef. People often ask me culinary institutes I’ve attended. I’m at a point in my journey where I recognize that I’ve been preparing to be the person I am now for my entire life. I don’t believe in mere coincidences. I started to incorporate plant based foods into my diet in 2001 shortly after a series of personal health issues forced me to take a closer look at what I was putting in my body. I have no formal culinary training but I’ve been blessed to work along some innovative and insightful plant based chefs over the years and learn from them.
Let’s Stay Connected
What a time to be alive! There are many aspects of our times that feel daunting and overwhelming. Perpetual news about death, crisis and sickness will wear on just about anyone. During the COVID-19 lockdowns in 2020 the masses found respite via the internet. People all over the globe latched onto the internet to binge watch their favorite series, attend classes, work and interact with friends and loved ones.
Some people found their way to social media prominence due to the pandemic. Comedians, dancers, chefs, therapists and countless others were able to build online followings and become prominent voices in their various areas of expertise.
Modern technology affords us so many ways to make extraordinary strides via our everyday devices. Innovation allows us to circumvent physical boundaries and internet platforms enable us to share our unique perspectives amongst an audience.
At best these shared ideas can be of service to humankind. When we sidestep the negative and divisive aspects of online culture we can truly harness the power of the internet and put it to great use.
Crowdfunding is one of the modern resources that many of my elders simply cannot grasp. They’ve never experienced a world where they could make a compelling video presentation on their phone and successfully fundraise a project. No Mistakes Allowed has been in an ideation and incubation period for a few years now and it’s almost time to launch!
Thank you for your continued support. If you’d like to keep up and stay in touch please connect with me via Instagram @chefkorby. May your 2022 be a dynamic year of positive transformation and growth!
