DAY 100!

Hey all-
I have reached the 100th day of the RAWFU challenge. I celebrated yesterday by having some raw food cuisine at Leaf Cuisine in Sherman Oaks.

Some thoughts: I stayed 100% raw for MOST of the 100 days. Some days I ate cooked, especially towards the end of the challenge. Still reflecting on why. Right now I'm thinking that the change in weather (it's getting cold at night here folks) is part of the reason. The main food that I was drawn to was FRENCH FRIES. warm and salty-YUMMY!

What changed from Day 1 to Day 100:

• My desire to live a raw lifestyle is solidified
• Went from size 12/14 to 10 (not squeezin' into them either)
• I have learned much more information about the raw community
• I am not hesitant to attend more raw meet-ups
• I am in contact with more raw foodies-that keeps me going!
• It is EASIER to be raw now than before.
• I won't beat myself up about having a raw vegan meal every once in a while
• I acutally want to exercise now!
• A deeper understanding that this is a learning process-enjoy the ride!

The journey continues-I am about 9 months raw now and lovin' it!!

Peace-enjoy your journey!!

November 4, 2008

Wow-I am silenced into awe!
I will remember this day for the rest of my life!
No more to say!!

Peace!

Day 76-Raw Food 100 Day Challenge

California weather- Just 3 days ago I'm complaining about the cold weather-then today was like 80-85 degrees. No wonder I am getting sick:/ Raw or not-drastic changes in temperature can't be good on the body.
Breakfast: tea (not really hungry)
Lunch: VERY simple salad (lettuce, tomatos, guacamole) Oh and some--er-uh-well FRENCH FRIES! there, I said it!!my daughter had some and there you go-enough said!
Dinner: Huge yummy salad with apple cider vinegar w/ olive oil for dressing.dessert : apple

GOOD Stuff!!We had a new SuperTarget open up very close by-they have an entire organic fruits /veggie section AND raw nuts too! I am very happy about that. I still prefer the Farmer's Market but at least I know that I have a choice to get organic when I can't make it to the Farmer's Market.How I am feeling- other than congested I'm feeling pretty good.

I really like what Bunny said today about the food industry-it is so true. We have to change our way of thinking about food. It's fuel for the body-not entertainment!

Well today was COLD! I started having some thoughts about warm soups and hot bread-that was happening while I was sitting at a cold soccer game. Then I came home and threw together a slammin' 'taco' salad which squashed those ugly cooked food thoughts!!

Breakfast: banana smoothie (sweetened with dates) spiced up with cinnamon/nutmeg YUMM!Lunch: big salad
Dinner: 'taco' salad-Usually I make the walnut 'meat' with cumin and spices. Well I did not have walnuts today, I have almonds! So I used those instead AND I added some green chiles -I have to say that it was really good. I added a scoop on top of a bed of lettuce and added some spicy salsa and MM MM good!

Recipe:
1 cup of almonds
1 cup of pecans
1 1/2 tsp cumin
cayenne to taste
3/4tsp to /1 tsp sea salt
green chile chopped (Add these after you mix the other ingredients in the processor)
garlic minced (I used 3 cloves)
olive oil (as needed to make it combine)
Green onions (about 4)-add these after you mix the other ingredients in the processor
Liquid smoke (just a drop)
**As aways, add spices to your taste-you can usually use smell to tell if it is spiced up enough.
Process all ingredients in your food processor (I used my vita mix as a chopper)

NOTE-to me this really looks like ground beef--Freaky!!!

This is a large batch that will last me for 3-4 or maybe even 5 days.

I still don't have an Excalibur but a friend of mine gave me her ronco dehydrator-unfortunately I read online that these can get up to about 130 degrees which makes it too hot for RAW uncooking (bummer). However I am still going to use it to see if I can make 'burgers' using the above 'meat' recipe. I am still planning in getting the biggie dehydrator later.

WELLNESS-my throat is feeling like crap-It's like I'm getting sick-It's probably due to the weather change. I'll be having some organic tea with lemon for that..

Peace:)

Ben Vereen on Raw

RawFu Challenge Day 70!!

I can't believe that Day 70 is here!! Time is zooming by!!As each day goes by I am more convinced that Raw is the best way to eat (for me)! I feel so 'clean' inside. I am to the point where I don't obsess too much about what I eat. On the weekends I make big batches of seed cheese and/or main entrees-this usually lasts until Wed or Thurs. Actually I make extra because my co-workers are wanting to try Raw foods. This week I had the mess o greens (see recipe below) and sweet potato 'stuff' (I tweaked it to my taste). It's a keeper. For breakfast I have been having 2 pieces of fruit, nothin fancy. Dinner has been huge salads with avocado.

All Week:
Breakfast: banana/apples
Lunch: greens/ sweet potato 'stuff'
Dinner: salad with variety of veggies

I want to preface this by saying that eating greens is kind of a family tradition for me-I was really feeling weird about not being able to eat them like I used to, then I found this recipe and WOW-Let's just say that I am one happy camper!!

Mess o greens Recipe:This recipe came from a site call The Daily Raw Cafe (I would link it but it is no longer at the same address for some reason, luckily I wrote the recipe down just the other day).

1 bunch of collard greens (cut into thin strips) You can roll the leaves up like a cigar and slice away.Olive oil-you are going to 'massage' the oil into the greens. (this is really YOU becoming one with your food).

Marinade:
1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar (Braggs)
1/4 cup of sun dried tomatos (soaked) I used julienne sliced ones
1/4 cup of scallions (the white part)
1 garlic clove minced
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (I did not have the flakes so I used cayenne powder)
I put a little olive oil in the marinade too.
salt and pepper to taste.(mix all this together and have it ready before you slice the greens)

After you 'massage' your greens, add them to the marinade and let it marinade for 4 or more hours in the fridge. Really the longer it's in the marinade the better they get. (they do get softer)These are soooo good that I have to make double (to share)!

The sweet potatoes 'stuff'"-
3 sweet potatoes cut into cubes
1/2 cup of pecans (soaked)
juice of 1 small lemon
about 6-8 dates (soaked in just enough water to cover them-keep the water)
cinnamon 1/4 tsp
nutmeg 1/4 tsp
Put all ingredients in the VitaMix (included the date soak water) and GO! Mix until smooth-the Vita Mix will actually warm the mixture.
I used sweet potatoes, not yams-the lemon helps maintain the color and adds a nice flavor.This could easily be used as a filling for a date/nut crust. Mine never makes it that far.
All of my non-raw friends love this recipe.

About the exercise-I have been procrastinating on that big time! Alexis inspired me with her video-I am ready for the next thirty days!!

RawFu Challenge Day 66

Soccer Game today- Both of my girls won their games YEAH!!

I finished reading The Square Foot Garden and checked out some websites of gardens using that method. I have always wanted to grow stuff. Now being a Raw Foodist I definately want to grow my own food. I have plenty of space in my backyard-it's just a matter of getting starting. I know a friend who works in construction so I'm going to have him get me some 'free' wood for my boxes. I'll be bloggin' about that as if unfolds.

I mentioned about a co-op that I found in my area-I have not yet contacted them. I'm working on it.

Breakfast-(rushed morning): Sunflower seeds/water-Lara Bar (pecan bar)

Lunch: corn on the cob w/ olive oil, sea salt, cracked black pepper, avocado (mashed on top) YUM!! That's all I have to say about that!!Huge smoothie (bananas, oranges, touch of honey)

Dinner: Salad w/ cucumber dressingFood Prep for the week: I'll be making the Mess O greens, and sweet potato 'stuff'.

That will be my lunch M-W.

Mood- I was really tired today!

RawFu Challenge Day 65

It's finally starting to feel like Fall here in the Desert. Today is windy and cold-but I heard that it's only temporary. Hot weather is in the forecast.

 

Breakfast: Lara Bar (Pecan, dates) chopped, Bananas, touch of cinnamon, and honey drizzled on top VERY YUMMY!!

Lunch: Mess O Greens-the more they marinate, the better they taste and the softer they get. MMM MMM Goodness

Huge Banana Strawberry Smoothie

Dinner: Chai Tea-not hungry

RawFu Challenge Day 64

Updated Blog-Finally!!

Whew- Today finally updated my blog page-I cheated and used my postings from RAWFU. As I read through them I noticed that I tend to sneak in cooked food at stressful times. But I don't feel guilty about it. When I first went RAW If I would have 'cheated' it would have turned into a "falling off of the wagon", but now I really am good about having a tiny amount of something. I never want to feel icky like I did before raw, and I have thrown away the larger sized clothes (not literally-I gave them to someone who can use them).

This is my motivation-I want great health-I want to keep feeling this way forever.

For those of you new to this-I encourage you to stick with it-It does get easier with time.

I made some yummy raw foods today. I made a recipe called mess o greens I got from a site (I'll link it later).
I also tried to make a sweet potato dessert-I say tried because I improvised a bit and added banana. It actually came out pretty good-it tasted like a pudding. My co-workers loved it-I always take enough of my lunch to share. People are curious about RAW and it is fun when non raw'ers enjoy raw food dishes. I HIGHLY recommend the greens. That is my comfort food so I am elated that I have a raw version that is savory.

I have not yet started training for that 5k. I'm still winding down from school-yeah that's it!! :)

Meals:
Breakfast:orange, pear
Lunch:greens, sweet potato 'pudding', mineral water
snack: orange
Dinner: Same as lunchsnack: orange/banana smoothie

Oh yea- I had not been taking the B-12 (I had kind of forgotten about it). I saw a Gabriel Cousens video the other day and he was saying how important B-12 is to vegans. Well that inspired me to start taking it again- I use the kind that dissolves under the tongue.

RawFu Challenge Day 61!!

Today was a good day!I have sooo much energy and am losing weight like crazy. I have not been this size in years. I am 12 lbs away from my first weight goal (which is right out of the overweight category).
I had a shock today-last week we had an awards assembly for our second grade students. A parent took a picture of me and left it in my box today-WOW I could not believe it! It was a slimmer me! I am so excited.Some of my friends ask me how I could eat so extreme
When I think about it - I think to myself - "How could I not?" No meds for GERD, no more hip pain, no tingling in my fingers and toes, no more sluggishness, no more bloating.

When something works why not stick with it?
I have also learned that it is not really expensive to eat this way-I had a tight$$ month but as long as I had some seeds I could make pates, milks, fillers for nori. ANY veggies were fine with the nuts. I got lucky and my friend with the fruit trees hooked me up. I had been in the habit of buying lots of seeds and freezing them. I highly recommend that for the lean times.
Now I did miss some treats-like Goji's, cacao nibs and agave etc, but overall-not that bad.

"You know you're a raw foodist when you dig through your purse for change to buy a cucumber and a tomato:)"
Breakfast: 3 apples and cinnamon/almonds
Lunch: leftover pate rolled in nori sheets with mixed lettuce and carrots.plain iced tea
Dinner: more veggie rolls (see lunch)
dessert: apples and shredded carrots

Peace!!

RawFu Challenge Day 60!!

Today-

Breakfast: pears/almonds
Lunch: big salad/lots of fresh fruits (melons, pineapple, strawberries)
Dinner: More salad
dessert-pears--I have been eating alot of pears because a friend of mine has a tree-all organic and really juicy-oh yea and free!! She has tons of apples too!
VERY simple meals today:)
Yesterday I made a mock 'tuna'. I used ground pepitas (pumpkin seeds), onion, shredded carrots,dulse flakes, salt, pepper, cayenne. This is based on other recipes I have seen but I did not have all the ingredients on hand so I improvised (I have never seen that recipe with pumpkin seeds)-It came out really good. I put it in a lettuce wrap with a slice of white onion and pickle. YUMMY!! Next time I will add some celery.

I finally found a co-op in a community nearby. I plan on participating in that soon. I am going to buy more 'green bags' first-those work great for fruits and veggies.PEACE!!
Note-I am still losing weight like crazy! - I never get symptoms of GERD anymore! I can't imagine NOT being Raw!!

RawFu Challenge Day 57

Breakfast: 2 Pears
Lunch: leftover cucumber soupapple/pear raw pie
Dinner: Walnut 'taco' meat--this came out really good and spicy! Salsa on top, more 'pie' - YUM!!

Another RAW confession: Drumroll - I ate a mini bag of Fritos-I am writing a 10 page paper-This is the LAST paper due SAT. No more school -yeah--The bag was there! I was stressed, and it happened. Did it taste good? heck yeah;)

RawFu Challenge Day 56

Today's Meals
Breakfast-the best organic juicy pear ever!, dates, almonds.
Lunch - cucumber soup (made it up as I went and it came out perfect-I plan on posted recipe on this site!) with toppings (chopped cucumber, olives, green onions, sun dried tomatoes, shredded carrots, cayenne pepper etc..)
Dessert- mini raw apple pie. The crust is dates, almond meal, ginger, nutmeg, dash of salt - vitamix it. spread in a 1 cup container (I use the pampered chep mini prep bowls). Add some chopped apples sprinkled with orange juice and cinnamon) very delish:) I had to share my lunch at work because they wanted to try it:)
Dinner - cucumber soup with toppings!Dessert - mini raw apple pie

RAW confessional-OOPS! some bits of torilla chips FELL into my soup:( Ahhh! What's a girl to do?
Peace-the weekend is almost here-hurray!

RawFu Challenge Day 54

Today's Meals

Breakfast:Almond banana shake sweetened with dates
Snack: nectarine
Lunch: salad with Asian flavored mix (brazil nuts, sesame seed oil, nama shoya, cayenne pepper, cracked pepper)I used the vitamix to kind of chop the mixture, It came out REALLY good. It tasted like the lettuce wraps at PF Changs (an Asian-style Bistro Restuarant)orange
Dinner: Big mixed Salad with brazil nut mixture.Note: the brazil nuts have a chestnut type of texture to them, so they don't get mushed like some of the nuts do.

RawFu Challenge Day 53

Breakfast: almond banana shake-yum I added allspice and cinnamon - (I have to create some kind of fall atmosphere here in California-today was 90+ degress).
Snack: peach
Lunch: Garden Pate with carrot sticks and saladSnack: oranges (3 whole oranges they're little)Dinner: Salad with left over garden pateSpiced almond banana shake

RawFu Challenge Day 52

Well I have to admit I had some cooked food yesterday. My daughter was in a quincenera and they had some awesome mexican food. I had a huge salad BUT I added some rice on top:( Just a taste. It was really good.I also lost a couple more pounds (that's probably why I ate the rice). I tend to sabotage myself when I'm doing really good. My mind says "hey you're losing weight" a bit of rice won't hurt. I don't feel too bad about it-I'm right back on the RAW horse so to speak.

I start training soon for my 5k in March-that will definately help. I am now having more and more people approach me about RAW. They can really see the change in me (weight) and I am full of energy, NOT starving. Sometimes it's cool but I am careful not to be too 'preachy'. There are soooo many reasons why I am doing this. It's not just about the weight. It's health, environment..etc. Who is going to want to listen to all that? (except you guys:).

I am a little worried about being 100% RAW for Fall - I went RAW in Feb. This is my first Fall season eating this way. I love warm soups and just warm hot food in general in the Fall!. Right now I am soaking nuts and getting ready to make some hearty raw dishes. I know that once I get that dehydrator I will be good to go. So many of my friends want me to make them some raw food dishes. That is going to be fun!

Meals:
On Friday I made some really good veggie rolls using the nori sheets. I put some seed cheese, tomatoes, and whatever veggies I had inside and yum! I also went to the sushi bar and got some veggie rolls (no rice)! It was Friday and I wanted nori wraps!! It was delish.

Today (Sunday) was plain foods, nothing fancy:
Breakfast:Oranges (4)Snack (at the soccer game)sunflower seeds/water
Lunch:Basic saladoranges (my body wants them right now)tea
Dinner:flaxseed crackers/seed cheese dipteaI did not eat too much today-I was away from home and giving my body a break since I ate rice on Saturday. But I was not hungry.I am getting my nuts ready(soaking) to be 'pated' for this weeks lunch.
Peace:)

RawFu Challenge Day 48

Back to Blogging!
I have not gained weight, or lost-but that's cool! I know that as soon as I step on that elliptical that I will lose more weight. I have two more weeks of school and I'M DONE! Yeah! One thing left on my plate so to speak!

I'm planning on starting my 5k walk/run training within the next 2 weeks.

Breakfast: banana
snack: Lara Bar -pecan/dates
lunch: salad w/ sunflower 'asian style' pate, tomatoes, cucumber, nama shoya.
dinner: VERY simple guacamole with flax crackers

--Oh yea-I was motivated yesterday by watching the biggest loser! Of course it would have been a good idea to EXERCISE while I watched it instead of sitting on my tush!!!

A Toast to my cat Shasta!!

Well the last couple of days have been rough!! My cat of 16 years died! Needless to say we are so very SAD! So last night we went to dinner and I had a glass of red wine (a farewell toast)!
I also had some cooked food. A baked potato, one bisquit and a salad. I had every intention of having a big bowl of pasta-but it was not meant to be. Anyway- today-I had some potato chips and that's about it. I think I'm done with the comfort stuff and will be back to 100% RAW tomorrow.
Peace!
MEOW!!

RawFu Challenge Day 39

Wow- Almost at 40 days already!!

I have been eating less lately- simple stuff nothing fancy!
Breakfast: Banana
Lunch: walnut 'meat' pate w/ grape tomatoes (good combo!)
Lunch dessert: Ulimana cocao creme w/ peppermint YUMMY! (highly recommend this RAW treat. (1 tbls)Sparkling water
Dinner: Large Salad w/ veggies and avocadoIced Tea
Dessert : Cocao creme 1 tblspn

RawFu Challenge Day 37

Breakfast - Banana
Lunch- Salad at subway with LOTS of veggies and avocado!
Dinner - 'meat' pate on top of cucumbers-The recipe for the 'meat' came from goneraw.com

Not really hungry today-had a rough evening Friday night-either I am catching a cold or suffering from major allergies. Feeling kind of blah!! no real appetite:(I missed the meetup today due to soccer. (the Boutenko's 'son and daughter' were the speakers)

RawFu Challenge Day 34

WOW-I have neglected my RAWFU blog-
I went to San Diego for soccer tournaments- Both my girls came home with chamionship medals!I did not make it to a Raw restaurant but I did stay RAW:)I'm back at work in full swing and taking my last class for my MA (yea).I am losing weight like crazy!! it's wonderful-people at work are asking me what I'm doing but I still hesitate to tell too much info. To many people, Raw is a radical or drastic idea (although many of them don't find surgery to be drastic or radical) hmmmm...says I.
The cool thing is that a group of us teachers are entering the LA Marathon in March 09 (just the 5k walk/run). I have always wanted to do a 5k so I am excited.

Meals for today---
Breakfast: Banana/cantaloupe
Lunch: salad (nothing fancy) just salad
Dinner: YUM- Veggie sushi and iced teasnack' Goji Berries and organic tea
Very simple menu today- I am kind of catching a cold or something-that San Diego weather has the whole family sniffling and feeling a little yucky.

RawFu Challenge Day 30

Whoa-I missed a few days-but WOW what a day #28 was! Meeting Matt Amsden was really cool. The first Raw recipe book I bought was his (RAWvolution)-the recipes really helped me during the transition period.I recommend that if you make it out to Santa Monica that you definitely stop by for a Big Matt and Cheese. I'm still thinking about it-I should have bought 2 or 3 for later (that's now)! His cafe is a short walk away from the beach:)
I posted the picture of Matt and me (i'm a lucky raw food girl) on my Raw Fu page!

Anyway I am in humid San Diego today. My girls are in a soccer tournament here. I had to stay in the hotel room to finish my final exam (via internet). My last paper is due tonight by midnight YEA:) Then I'm free til Tuesday when my new class starts (i'ts the last one-whoo hoo)! Of course I am looking for a RAW cafe here in San Diego-the closest one is the one posted here on RawFu. I may try it out on Sunday or Monday. I'll post a review if I do!

Breakfast:Banana and Grawnola from the Euphoria Cafe

Lunch: Green salad with avocado, tomatoes, black pepper, and avocado dressingtomato and bell pepper flax seed crackers on the side.sparkling water

snack: sesame balls (from the cafe) raisins, nuts, spices rolled in sesame seeds-YUM

Dinner: Corn on the cob and salad, sparkling water
Dessert: Brownie (from the Euphoria Cafe) I usually don't do coconut but it was worth it. It tastes like a almond joy candy bar. Yum Yum (I may have to rethink not liking coconut) and I may not be allergic to it anymore!!

RawFu Challenge 23 and 24

Day 24 -
Soccer Day--Usually when I go to soccer tournaments somebody is selling fruits, not this time! I was able to get WATER-yum!
Breakfast: None
Lunch: salad bar at Roundtable Pizza/ Mango Smoothie at Juice it Up
Dinner: salad w/ scoops of sunflower seed cheese
Dessert: Goji Berries

Day 25 -
This time I ate b4 I went to the soccer game!

Breakfast: sunflower seed cheese w/ garlic stix (I made a lot of sunflower seed cheese)
Snack: almonds w/ Goji Berries
Lunch: salad w/ fresh corn and 2 scoops of.. you guessed it-sunflower seed cheese.Almond milk w/ cinnamon and sweetened with dates -very yummy!
Dinner: salad from Subway w/ avocadoSnack: Goji Berries

You may notice that there are no fruits-I need to go grocery shopping!!I am going to try the cashew banana cereal 2morrow! Ever since I saw the recipe, I have been thinking about it!

RawFu Challenge Days 21 and 22

Day 21
- I sprouted!-I finally tried to sprout some Mung Beans-it took 3 days-they came out fantastic! I used a mason jar and one of those 'sprout lids' for draining. It was super easy and fun to watch. The little bag I bought made A LOT of sprouts. It was kind of a pain to get the hulls out though. Maybe that's why it's called 'harvesting'. The benefit of that process is that you gain patience and you get to 'become one with your food'. The taste of fresh sprouts is fresh and clean.

Breakfast: Red grapes
Lunch:Tomato salad using tomato chunks, sprouts, and olives drizzled with olive oil, touch of Braggs, black pepper, sea salt1 scoop of Sunflower seed cheese w/ jicama, flaxseed crackers
Dinner: Tomato Salad (see lunch below), Rawmakery garlic stix

Day 22-
Happy Anniversary! Today is my 17th wedding anniversary (yea)

Breakfast:Grapes

LUNCH-Tomato salad using tomato chunks, sprouts, and olives drizzled with olive oil, touch of Braggs, black pepper, sea salt1 scoop of Sunflower seed cheese w/ jicama, flaxseed crackerssnack:grape tomatoes, cantaloupe, honeydew (good stuff)
Anniversary Dinner:Veggie Sushi (the sushi chef makes this for me w/o rice)-YUM I had 2 orders!Avocado Salad (mixed greens, avocado, ginger dressing)small bowl of miso soupDessert -juicy orange cut like a flower-pretty!Iced TeaYeah - I pigged out! but still RAW

RawFu Challenge Days 19 and 20

I am back at work but I am going to try to keep this blogging up!

DAY 19
Breakfast- Juicy cantaloupe

Lunch-2 big bowls of gazpacho spicy of course! For this you blend tomatoes, cucumber and any other veggies for a creamy soup. I put chopped veggies on top because I like the soup to have a 'bite' to it. I also had some Rawmakery 'garlic sticks' with it. VERY GOOD STUFF

snack-grapes

Dinner- The last bit of the carrot/cabbage slaw.

Dessert-cantaloupe

If anyone lives near a Winco Market they had cantaloupes for 33 cents each! No not organic but juicy and sweet.

DAY 20!! First day with Students:)
Breakfast- Grapes and almonds

Lunch - sunflower seed cheese (I added chopped veggies to it-sundried tomatoes, carrots, bell pepper all colors, jalapeno****see note, I then seasoned it with cracked black pepper, sea salt, cayenne (I Iike it hot).I used anaheim chili strips, jicama fries and flaxseed crackers as 'dippers'. GREAT LUNCH!!

NOTE: NEVER cut a jalapeno and then attempt to put contact lenses in your eyes (even hours later)!!DUH Yes I did this! Yes it burned like H-E-double hockey sticks! I like my food hot, not my eyes!

Dinner- Salad with mixed greens and my sunflower seed cheese. This may sound weird but I drizzled olive oil and Braggs Liquid Aminos on the salad. It was tasty!

RawFu Challenge Day 18

Wow - I just found out that the local Raw meetup group is having the Boutenko's (the son and daughter) as guest speakers next month. When I first went raw I did it by following the 12 steps raw book by V. Boutenko. I have also read the book Green for Life. How exciting-I am definately attending that!!

Today's meals:

Breakfast: 1 large peach/chocolate almond mylk sweetened with agave

Lunch: anaheim chilis stuffed with garden pate (I spiked it with jalapenos cause' I like it hot!)
Jicama 'fries' sprinkled with cayenne pepper cause' I like it hot! (see the pattern here?)

snack: peach

Dinner: Italian zested flax crackers dipped in the last of the garden pate-yum/a few olives

Dessert: handfull of Goji BerriesI ordered the flax crackers from Go Raw Cafe in Las Vegas. I also got 'garlic stix' by RawMakery (I haven't tried that yet) and greek black olives (salty but delicious).I am so glad the crackers came today-I needed that bread texture feel to my food. It keeps me 100% RAW.

RawFu Challenge Day 17

Today's meals:
Breakfast: Peaches w/ agave and almonds (touch of cinnamon)
Lunch: carrot/slaw salad from yesterday
snack: Goji Berries
Dinner: raw corn, anaheim chilis stuffed w/almond garden pate

Almond garden pate recipe: I don't really measure, I just throw everything in the processor and press start! But I added some measurements here if anyone wants to try the recipe:
almonds (about 1 cup)
garlic (1 clove)
anaheim chili 1/2 of 1 medium size
shredded carrots (1/2 cup to 1 cup)
jalapeno (1/4 of a medium sized one) Add this if you like spicy stuff
olive oil (to get things moist)
I add freshly grinded black pepper and celtic salt

NOTE: I always taste stuff before I remove it from the processor to make sure it has enough flavor-then I add whatever I feel is missing.

Social event- went to the movies to see the Dark Knight -just had water (I have to admit that the popcorn smelled really good)!

August 17th -Rawfu Challenge Day 16

Today was wonderful-- I had these pair of jeans (Calvin Kleins) that I bought a little over a year ago. Well I couldn't get them above my knees then-I had refused to get rid of them (I even left the tags on) because I felt that I should be able to wear them. Well they now FIT-I didn't have to squeeze into them or have my hubby help me zip them, or hold my breath, or lay on the bed to get them on. They actually fit.My family is so happy for me cause' they remember how grumpy I would be when I would try to get into them unsuccesfully. Yea for RAW!! I am not even at my real goal but this is definately a big deal for me!!I get to shop for new duds YEA!!

Meals:
Breakfast - peaches with agave and cinnamon

snack: baby carrotsLunch: tomato soup (1 cucumber, 2 tomatos, 5 sun dried tomatos, cayenne pepper, salt, pepper, olive oil) blend til smooth-I add chopped cucumber, olives, and tomatos on the top.

snack: ear of corn with olive oil and lemon pepper

Dinner: I made that cabbage/carrot slaw that Bunny demo'd today. I did not have lemon though, but it was still good. I also added cayenne pepper to mine--I love spicy food.

Oh yea and I added some chopped almonds to the top. VERY YUMMY!
I made enough for 2morrow.
**Temptation Alert--- I went to a baby shower today- There was a veggie plate and fresh fruits so I munched on that. My favorite vegetarian item is potatoes. There was a yummy looking potato salad there!! It smelled great!! The person who made it did me a favor by putting bacon in it!! UGH!! But I was tempted....just for 1/100th of a second hahaha Olympic humor!

August 16, 2008 - Rawfu challenge

OK-I am back-tracking here-
Meals for this day were:

Breakfast: Orange smoothie w/ almondsLunch: 'tacos' -- corn salad w/ nut meat and spicy salsa served in lettuce wraps

Snack: peach

Dinner: cantaloupe

Snack: 1 peach w/ agave nectar and cinnamonI'm still waiting for my crackers and olives to arrive in the mail!!
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All Raw Day:)

I feel like I ate too much today-but it was all raw-can you overeat on all raw?
Here's how it all went down:

Morning meal: 2 oranges and 1 slice of cantaloupe (very ripe and sweet) I picked them up at the Farmers Market yesterday.

Lunch: Raw Pizza
Ingredients- sprouted garlic 'bread' (this stuff is very filling)
marinara sauce (recipe from Rawvolution) YUM
chopped avocado
sunflower pate (mexi flavored-no recipe I just threw stuff in the processor)- this was sprinkled on top of the pizza.

Snack- Strawberry freeze-sunflower 'milk', raw agave nector, and frozen strawberries. Very good stuff!

Dinner- small bowl of Gazpacho, raw corn on the cob (wow that was really good) drizzled w/ olive oil sprinkled with cracked pepper and sea salt. leftover pate with flaxseed crackers.

sweet treat-I threw some cacao powder, walnuts, sunflower seeds, agave, raisins, and carob
nibs in the processor and mixed it all up. I put small amounts in mini cupcake cups and froze it. I had two of those today. Freezing them gives them the consistency of ice cream.

Oh yea water is a given-I always have a cup of water nearby.

I'm trying to use sunflower seeds as opposed to too many 'nuts'. I got weight to lose and hope that cutting down on the nuts will help. About 2 months ago I was going heavy with the nuts.

Raw

Go Raw for your Health!

View my page on Raw Fu

First Raw Restaurant Experience

I visited GoRaw Cafe in Las Vegas this past weekend-the food was very delicious. I told them that it was my first time in a raw cafe and they were nice enough to let me sample some pates. The almond pate was very rich and reminded me of cream cheese-YUM. The mexi pate was had more texture to it and had a touch of hot spice that was perfect.

I had never had any of the dehydrated 'breads' that I always read about. I had a mexi pizza and a pate sampler. There was a dessert that was ooey-gooey chocolatey. Sorry I didn't get the name of the dessert but YUM!!

The atmosphere was friendly and open. There was a lot of literature there and the people there
were very helpful. They also offer raw food prep classes. (I wish I could attend one of those).

I purchased some items that my local Health food store does not carry like flaxseed crackers (garlic, and mexi flavor). I also picked up some sprouted garlic bread so I could make pizza at home.

My nonraw hubby said I was like a little kid in a candy store. The GoRaw Cafe will definately be on my list of places to visit when I go to Vegas. It's about 20 minutes away from the strip. There are 2 locations. They have a website: www.gorawcafe.com

It's been awhile

Wow-I started this blog as a way to share my thoughts. Since my last blog- I backslid into cooked vegan foods, and I had some issues with craving fries. As I stated before stay away from cooked foods, it leads you into the path of other cooked foods.
I'm just coming off the master cleanse (today is day 10). Tomorrow will be orange juice day!! I lost 9 lbs and am ready to be 100% RAW. I had been 80% raw but added the wrong 20% in the way of cooked foods. Some people can do it (mix) but for me cooked leads to more cooked.

I am hoping that the cleanse will help me stay on the RAW path to great health. I have been looking at you tuber for other recipes. I am really excited that I will be going to my first raw restaurant in Las Vegas. I will blog about that experience soon!

I have been visiting the Farmer's Market every Thursday since summer break started. Wow the produce is awesome. I also bought some of those green bags that keep the produce fresh longer-they really do work. I recommend them!

Have a raw day!

Cooked Foods-Blah-STAY AWAY!!

Yesterday I gave in to the aroma of french fries and had one..er..two..er three ok I stopped counting-anyway today I felt like CRAP. I had a huge headache-I hardly get those. Today I stuck to REAL foods and will hopefully feel better tomorrow. Oh yea my face broke out too. My skin has been perfect the last month and today it's itchy and bumpy. If I did not need the energy I would do a one day water fast to cleanse but I don't think one day would do it.

I don't recommend having a bite of something you know you shouldn't have-it leads you down the path of headaches and bumpy face.

Wow-I've been raw for 3 months

It's hard to believe that 3 months have gone by on this fabulous journey. Since my last post I did the Master Cleanse for 10 days-It was really great. I recommend it to those who want to cleanse naturally. I had to stop on the 10th day-my body was ready. The Master Cleanse allows one to really examine their relationship with food. I found that my connection with food is emotional and ritualistic. It is really difficult to be at a professional sporting event and not eat the 'traditional foods' one used to partake in. I don't recommend doing the MC and attending a major sporting event.
Also since my last post I have lost pounds and inches. I am within 19lbs of my goal weight and I feel great. Others are really noticing the change in my body and face. I am really happy with living raw-I will admit that I had COOKED food in the last 2 days. Dreaded rice in a veggie burrito.
I bought another RAW cookbook RAWVolution by Matt Amsden. I love to cook, uh, uncook. I am now planning to stick to simple raw since it's spring and there are many choices for fresh fruits and veggies. I am in CA so there are many farmers markets to get organic produce at inexpensive prices. For example in the grocery store I pay $3.99 for a bag of lemons. At the farmers market I pay $1.00 for a bag of organic, locally grown lemons. The drawback is the farmers market is only available on Thursdays in the am while I am at work. My DH has been sweet enough to shop for me.

The most positive effects of living raw has to be the feeling of "well being". Like most others I lead a very stressful life. I am by nature 'laid back', the raw lifestyle helps me to stay focused and calm among the storms.

Current goal: 100% raw
Today-80% RAW

One Month Raw-Why

Well I have reached the one month mark since going RAW. It has been a great experience.
I started this after first going 100% vegetarian in June 07. I then went Vegan in Jan 08. I found out about the RAW lifestyle by joining discussion boards on veganism/veggie boards. I was very inspired by reading the stories of raw foodists, especially those who lost weight.

Now I am not obese, just overweight. I really needed to lose about 40 -45 lbs to be healthy.
I had some health concerns, like tingling in my hands/feet. I was on meds for GERD. I felt achy in my hips. My family history was a BIG factor in my decision to go RAW. My mom has had a triple bypass and mild heart attacks. My dad has poor health as well. I just don't want to go down that road if I can help it.

At this moment I have lost some pounds and inches. No more GERD meds. The tingling is gone-the tingling was corrected by a chirpractor-but the weight loss has helped too! I am still not at my goal weight but I feel amazing. Others around me are starting to notice that I am losing weight.

It's not just about the weight. When I first went vegetarian less than a year ago it was because of information I read about the food industry. I always knew that meats were not the healthiest for us. After reading the book Fast Food Nation and seeing the movie it really started to change my thinking. It's like you know things are unnatural (eating tons of processed foods) but you do it because most of the people around you do. And really, when you make that change you are admitting that what you have been doing all those years was wrong. It's hard for people to admit that.

I have learned that many people are ok with not changing. I remember being so excited about learning about RAW and wanted to share this with those around me. Well I know understand that most people have to find their own way and want to change. All we can do is serve as examples and not judge others. I really don't go around advertising that I'm raw because some people don't 'get it'. They want to tell me about protein, etc. I have researched this and know what I'm doing, so it's better for me to "just do it."

After the first two weeks of RAW I got really sick. I went 100% RAW overnight-I did not go through a transitional period like many new raw foodist do. The doctor said I had the flu-now I know that many people experience a detox period, and it could have been a combination of both. There was a flu virus going around at my workplace. Anyway, after that I decided to slow it down and do 80% raw. I would have my green shakes ( YUM) eat fruits and veggies (organic), and eat vegan at night. I have been doing that for 2 weeks. I have still been losing weight:) and feeling great. So now I want to go back to 100% RAW.

I have Ani Phyo's cookbook-I highly recommend it. Also the website www.goneraw.com is fantastic. There are thousands of recipes and people there are very knowledgable about the raw foods lifestyle. Check out youtube for people who share their raw journeys on video.

I decided to BLOG my journey after reading tons of other peoples blogs. I am the only raw person in my surroundings-so I am sharing my thoughts with cyberspace. - Peace