Raw Food Health

Nama Shoyu Marinated Mushrooms

2012-02-25T15:13:00.001-08:00

The following information is for education only and is not meant to diagnose, prescribe, or treat illness. It is valuable to seek the advice of an alternative health care professional before making any changes. The statements below have not been evaluated by the FDA (or your country's equivalent). Any products mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Mushrooms are a favorite among raw-fooders and much of this is due to the multiple flavors that can be produced based on the method of preparation. Additionally, within this recipe, the coupling of olive oil and Nama Shoyu not only makes it a delectable treat, but also with numerous health benefits.

Mushrooms are known to be great for the bladder. Just eating a serving of 5 small mushrooms is enough to offer 31% of the RDA for selenium, which is an excellent source of anti-oxidants, which in turn curbs heart disease and stroke.

Olive oil is often used in recipes for it's ability to flavor a dish, however olive oil has some great nutritional value as well. Not only does olive oil reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, but it also aids in the relief from symptoms associated with ulcers. It also balances fatty acids and aids in healthy digestion.

Nama Shoyu is an interesting ingredient that can always be substituted for salt in any recipe in order to produce some additional health benefits. Salt does not have any nutritional value, however Nama Shoyu offers the body Vitamin B3 (niacin), manganese and even protein. It also offers the body tryptophan, which leads to the production of serotonin. As a natural chemical that the brain produces, seratonin aids the body and the mind to feel positive and sleep well. However, being soy based (which these days is almost always defined as genetically modified and estrogen producing), I personally do not use it often.

Any recipe containing mushrooms are a sure bet in terms of taste and health benefits, and this recipe is no exception. With an interesting blend of seasonings, this recipe is sure to satisfy your taste buds and your body's need for good nutrition.

Ingredients:

Mushrooms: 4 Ounces
Olive Oil: 1/2 of a Cup
Nama Shoyu: 1/2 of a Cup
Cumin Powder: 2 Teaspoons
Corriander Powder: 2 Teaspoons
Balsamic Vinegar: 1 Tablespoon

Directions:

Cut the mushrooms into slices around 1/4 of an inch thick
Place the mushroom slices and the other ingredients into a bag or other sealable container
Shake the container, to coat the mushrooms with the maranade
Refrigerate overnight
Serve

Goes great with a variety of vegetables (e.g. broccoli, carrots, bell peppers). Stays fresh in the fridge for about a week.

Inspiration: Sarah Essential's Marinated Mushrooms

Mushroom Stir Fry With Broccoli

2012-02-15T12:14:00.001-08:00

There are only so many salad recipes that one can stomach before wanting some sort of diversion from the typical toss of recipes. This recipe is just that, as it emulates stir fry, without the unhealthy fry. This raw food toss contains such a fragrant and delightful blend of oils and seasonings that will leave you saying "I can't believe it is not fried!"

The specific oils that are blended in this recipe include olive oil which is an essential ingredient in raw food recipes that consider making ingredients palatable. Honey offers a sweet taste when is often unexpected, making the blend unique and tasteful.

Additionally, the main ingredients in this recipe include carrots and broccoli. Both vegetables contribute to stronger hair and nails, as well as offer a track record of youthfulness in those that swear by it. Many raw-fooders that look 15-20 years younger than their age simply relish their diet in massive amounts of broccoli and carrots. In addition to these aesthetic attributes, these particular vegetables also are known to increase energy levels.

Combining these vegetables with honey, which is also known as an energy booster, once can certainly feel a surge of energy through this blend of ingredients. In addition, honey has healing properties that contribute to curing common ailments, as well as boosting immune systems. Many people think of honey as the ingredient to put in tea when feeling sick with the cold or flu, and this is because honey is a proven element to increase the immune system.

Recipes with broccoli, carrots and honey are ones that are no-brainers when it comes to boosting energy and youthfulness, however an added advantage of this particular recipe is it's uniqueness and it's enjoyable nature.

Equipment Needed:

Food Processor

Ingredients:

For the Marinade:

4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon cilantro
2 tablespoon soy sauce (Nama Shoyu)
salt and pepper to taste (I use a dash of both)
1 teaspoon Agave syrup (optional)
1 teaspoon chopped parsley(optional)

For the "Stir Fry":

2 cups sliced Portobello mushrooms
1 cup sliced broccoli
1 large parsnip, peeled
1 large carrot, peeled
1 cup green beans
sesame seeds(optional)

Directions:

Mix the marinade ingredients together.
Place the broccoli and mushrooms in a large bowl, pour marinade and stir well to coat.
Slice carrots into equal, matchstick sized pieces.
Process the peeled parsnip until coarsely chopped to resemble rice.
Slice the green beans roughly and mix with parsnip rice and carrot sticks.
Toss the veggie mix in the marinade and stir well until everything is evenly coated.
Let marinade sit for about 20 minutes so that the flavors may mix.
Dress with a pinch of sesame seeds. Grab you chopsticks and enjoy!

Inspired by: RawMazing's Stir Fry

Raw Vegan Eggless Holiday Eggnog

2011-12-20T12:08:00.001-08:00

Eggnog is a Christmas favorite in American cuisine. Both children and adults love its creamy, rich texture and sweet, milky taste.

Eating raw doesn't mean we have to deprive ourselves of this delicious staple food, and luckily, the ever resourceful raw foodists have devised plenty of nog-like beverages, 100% raw and vegan.

Our raw, vegan eggless eggnog is made with delicious, ripe bananas and heart healthy nuts and makes for an excellent addition to the raw Christmas table.

Almonds are an excellent source of vitamin E, dietary fiber (roughly 12%), monosaturated fatty acids and essential minerals, like iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and zinc. Consuming almonds can help lower the risk of cancer, as well as improve skin health.

Bananas are one of the best sources of dietary potassium and slow release carbohydrates. They make an excellent base for dense beverages, and are high in protein and dietary fiber, while also containing notable amounts of vitamin B6 (31% of the recommended daily intake per 100 grams) and vitamin C.

Equipment Needed:

Blender

Ingredients:

1 glass raw almond milk or coconut milk
1-2 teaspoons of agave syrup to taste (a few pitted dates can also be used to sweeten the beverage)
2 small bananas
1 vanilla bean, scraped
a pinch of nutmeg
a pinch of cinnamon
a pinch of salt
half a cup of cashews for consistency

Directions:

Add all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
Sprinkle powdered cinnamon on top and serve!

Raw Portobello Mushroom Burgers

2011-12-14T13:35:00.001-08:00

This is a lovely 100% raw and vegan recipe for you burger lovers! Portobello mushrooms are an ingredient that comes with an array of health benefits.

With less than 40 calories per 100 grams, they are an ideal diet food. Loaded with proteins, phytochemicals and other vital micronutrients, portobello mushrooms are excellent health recovery foods.

A single cup of mushrooms provides a third of the daily recommended intake of selenium, a third of the daily intake of copper and about 20 % of the recommended intake of phosphorus and potassium.

Portobello mushrooms contain a powerful antioxidant known as ergothioneine, as well as valuable polyphenols. On top of this, portobello mushrooms can provide a good amount of vitamin D, especially during the cold season when some of us may not be getting enough sun.

Sunflower seeds are the second ingredient in terms of importance for our burger recipe. They are needed both for flavor and texture and, luckily, are rich in linoleic acid, as well as the amino acid tryptophan, vitamins E, B (especially thiamine and folate), minerals like copper, iron, magnesium, zinc, calcium, phosphorus, potassium and manganese.

Adding them in salads and raw vegan burgers is an excellent way to increase consumption without feeling like you're going out of your way.

Equipment Needed:

Ingredients:

4 portobello mushroom caps, chopped
2 tablespoons of soy sauce (nama shoyu)
1 teaspoon honey
1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
1 cup of raw sunflower seeds
1 tablespoon of chopped parsley
1/2 cup of chopped onion
1 tablespoon of chopped cilantro (optional)
1/2 cup chopped carrot
pepper and other herbs to taste

Directions:

Combine the nama shoyu, raw honey and vinegar in a bowl to form marinade. Add the chopped mushrooms in and let them sit for a couple of hours.
Process the sunflower seeds in a high speed blender, until smooth.
Add the mushrooms from the marinade into the blender and process until you obtain a slightly rough mixture (make sure it doesn't turn into a very smooth paste).
Incorporate the remaining ingredients and blend well.
Shape the mixture into 4 burgers and dehydrate for a couple of hours on one side, and another couple of hours on the other side. Serve with raw bread and salad for a delicious sandwich.

Mint And Basil Ice Cream - The Raw Vegan Way

2011-11-21T12:13:00.001-08:00

Basil is an amazing culinary herb, and many of us are used to adding it to a variety of dishes, but did you know that it makes for an awesome, refreshing raw ice-cream?

With its delicious flavor derived from a unique combination of essential oils, basil has been hailed for its potent health effects for generations, and is a major constituent of herbal remedies in numerous world cultures.

In India alone, basil leaves are successfully used in the treatment of stress, asthma and diabetes, yet only recently have scientific studies managed to reveal that basil possesses powerful antioxidant, antiviral, and antimicrobial properties.

Moreover, just a few basil leaves can provide significant amounts of the vitamins K and A, as well as some manganese, iron, vitamin C and beta-carotene.

Basil's primary essential oil, which also provides it with its strong clove scent, is called eugenol, and it presents itself as a spicy, soluble, pale yellow liquid. While traditionally used in perfumeries and various flavorings, eugenol can be used medically as a local antiseptic and anesthetic.

This flavor is often beautifully complemented by mint, which is famed for its many medicinal purposes, including as an antipruritic (predominantly in insect bite treatments), a mild nasal decongestant, a diuretic and a mild stomach pain relief.

The strong and sharp flavor of mint is easily soothed by the delicate cashew cream that forms the basis of our invigorating dessert. When served with a chilled green smoothie, the raw basil mint ice-cream enhance the flavour significantly!

Equipment Needed:

Blender - Blendtec HP3A Recommended

Ingredients:

1 cup of freshly chopped basil leaves
4 cups of soaked raw cashews (or raw almonds)
3 to 4 cups of fresh spring or raw water
half a cup of raw honey or agave nectar (can add more to taste)
1 teaspoon of fresh mint leaves

Directions:

Blend all ingredients together until smooth
Move the mixture into a deep container and place into the freezer
Stir gently every few hours until it is frozen
Serve alone or with your green smoothie. The ice-cream can keep in the freezer for around 2 weeks.

Raw Soup - Butternut Squash And Apple

2011-11-15T17:24:00.001-08:00

The sweet and savory butternut squash is an awesome vegetable to eat during the winter, not only because it is incredibly nutritious, but also because so many different types of foods can be prepared with it!

Today, we will be pureeing it into a lovely, reinvigorating soup that I like to eat on cold winter mornings. It gives me that energy boost I need to make it through a chilly day and can work wonders on my overall mood.

Rich in almost every vital nutrient group, squash can provide significant amounts of complex carbohydrates, that are slowly released into the bloodstream, and vegetable fiber that keeps hunger locked up till lunch time.

This is one of the reasons why squash is such a great breakfast food. It also contains a lot of vitamin C and good amounts of vitamin A, manganese, folate, essential fats, thiamine, copper, niacin, tryptophan, pyridoxine and many more.

The second important ingredient in our delicious squash soup is apple, which has been known for its many dietary benefits since the 19th century, when the famous saying "An apple a day keeps the doctor away." first became popular.

Apples are amazing sources of antioxidants, which may even have the ability to reduce the risk of developing prostate and colon cancers. Apples can help dieters lose weight, due to its low sugar and high fiber content, as well as fight heart disease through important phenolic phytochemicals.

Apple and squash make for a deliciously sweet and flavorful soup combination, that is perfectly balanced out by the added orange and lemon juice!

Equipment Needed:

Blender

Ingredients:

2 apples, cored and cut
100 grams of peeled butternut squash
1/2 orange, peeled
2 tablespoons of lemon juice
1/2 red onion
1 cup almond milk
3 tablespoons of raw pumpkin seeds
2 tablespoons of chopped parsley
1 tablespoon of sun-dried tarragon
sea salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Blend all ingredients except the parsley until you have obtained a smooth and creamy soup. You may need to add up to a glass of fresh water to obtain the desired consistency. Serve with sprinkled parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Raw Chef's Christmas Recipes

2011-11-11T12:48:00.001-08:00

Russell James amazes us once again with his fine collection of delicious raw recipes for the perfect Christmas dinner. His Raw Christmas Recipes cookbook is part of a popular series consisting of 6 lovely booklets which bring together mouthwatering recipes that look absolutely amazing and are simple to make.

Thanks to Russell's clear and easy to follow directions, you too can become a gourmet chef and whip up the most spectacular raw Christmas recipes for your family, including specialties like Cucumber Canapes with Macadamia Puree & Balsamic Figs, the heavenly Sinderella beverage with pomegranate and pineapple, as well as the chocolate macaroons with spiced cashew cream centers.

To put together these savory recipes, Russell makes use of common raw kitchen appliances, including blender, food processor, dehydrator and juicer. While he enjoys adding a festive touch to these dishes, by browsing through his many recipe books, you may discover that he has made a habit of preparing all of his recipes with the same attention and care, emphasizing both on the nutritional value and visual appeal of a dish.

Russell James is one of the most loved personalities in the UK raw food community, whose passion for raw nutrition and dedication for the art of food preparation have confirmed his status as the number one Raw Chef in Britain.

Following nearly a decade of experience in raw food preparation, Russell James has put together a lovely series of theme-specific cooking booklets, which includes the lovely Raw Chef's Christmas recipes, featuring over a dozen festive meals and beverages that will delicately combine exotic aromas as well as pack a substantial nutritional punch that can keep you energized on a chilly winter day.

Raw Food Cheese

2011-07-18T09:25:00.001-07:00

Hey conscious eaters,

This week, I’m bringing you a short review that I wrote, on a lovely cooking booklet with appetizing varieties of raw nut cheese recipes, signed by UK Raw Chef Russell James.

I loved the idea of being able to make cheese out of raw nuts, something I wouldn’t have imagined possible a few years ago, and by the time I finished reading the third recipe, my mouth was watering and I was already planning on whipping up my own raw nut cheese. Luckily, as I pointed out in my review, the preparation process is fairly easy and you only need a few materials to make nut cheese.

And, boy, do these recipes sound delicious! Just imagining caraway, fennel and olive cheese, macadamia mozzarella, or olive and sun-dried tomato cheese is enough to tempt any cheese lover.

The Raw Chef explains everything in great detail in this little cooking book, which is great news, especially for raw rookies! Enjoy an intro that describes the fundamentals of raw foodism and the amazing benefits of enzymes. Not only is raw nut cheese delightful, but also very healthy. Macadamia nuts hold the record for the highest content of healthy monounsaturated fats of any known nuts.

They also contain significant amounts of calcium, phosphorus, selenium, iron, potassium, thiamine and riboflavin. Cashews are also rich in healthy fats and protein, which makes nut cheese an excellent replacement for regular milk cheese, which contains a lot of saturated animal fats that do not benefit our health.

Moreover, the key to making savory nut cheese lies in the probiotic powders that are used to ferment the delicate cashew or macadamia paste, which makes the basis of most cheeses. These are healthful microroganisms that actively work in the gut by easing digestion and fortifying immunity. If you’re curious for more on how to make raw cheese, check out my full review and resource list here: http://rawfoodhealthwatch.com/raw-nut-cheese/

In case you missed it… see our latest articles:

Middle Eastern Raw Sesame Seed Tahini Salad Dip

2011-06-28T09:37:00.001-07:00

Tahini is a very nourishing Middle Eastern kitchen staple - and is great for people that push to stay with a raw food diet. Produced out of sesame seeds, tahini is an excellent source of calcium, complete protein, vitamins B (for your brain) and E (for your skin cells), and is an outstanding supply of healthy fats.

Sesame seeds are additionally a excellent source of the amino acid Methionine, which is a crucial assistant to liver cleansing and helps with the assimilation of various other vital amino acids. Even though the calorie volume of tahini is to some extent elevated as a result of the richness of oil in the sesame seeds, the good news is that the vast majority of fats in tahini are unsaturated instead of saturated. In this specific appetizing Middle Eastern dip, you'll additionally reap the benefits of further components like garlic (exceptional for the immune system), lemon (vitamin C), soya low fat yogurt (some more protein), and extra virgin olive oil (yet an extra source of vitamin E to maintain your skin in a wonderful shape).

The spices found in this dip also give it a really unique Middle Eastern flavor - particularly the powdered cumin, which also serves as an outstanding tonifier for an a sore belly and IBS. The fantastic thing about this salad dip is how it might be employed as a spread (on sun-dried crackers for instance) or as a condiment with chopped veggies -- and stays fresh for up to 2 weeks in food container in the refrigerator.

For the sake of variation, you can also mix with chopped green peppers, minced aubergine flesh, cut dill or parsley. Also, it requires only minutes to prepare!

Ingredients:

250g tahini
2 tbs balsamic vinegar
1/3 cup water
1 lemon, squeezed
4 cloves garlic, crushed
150g plain soya yogurt (or extra 1/2 cup of water)
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp ground pepper
1/2 tsp cumin powder
hot tabasco sauce (few drops)
olive oil (a drizzle)
parsley stems (garnish)

Directions:

1. In a medium bowl, combine tahini, water (gradually), vinegar, and lemon juice. Stir in slowly until texture is smooth.

2. Add crushed garlic cloves and stir in well. Leave for 10 minutes until flavor seeps in.

3. Stir in pepper, cumin powder, and salt.

4. Add soya yogurt, and stir (soya yogurt in this recipe is optional - it can be substituted with an extra 1/2 cup of water in step 1).

5. Carefully add a few drops of hot tabasco sauce (regular chilli sauce will also do). Stir well until red color is blended.

6. Drizzle with olive oil, and add some parsley stems to garnish. Serve chilled.

Want to use this recipe on your website, newsletter, ezine or other publication? Feel free, but be sure to include the following notation: Recipe and photos by Magda Elsehrawi for http://rawfoodhealthwatch.com/.

In case you missed it... see our latest raw vegan recipes:

Retrieving The Keys To Wellness And Longer Life Using Raw Foods

2011-06-08T18:35:00.001-07:00

A great article I found that I was given permission to re-publish...

Human beings are naturally built to consume raw meals, the very same way they have done since prehistoric times before fire was used as a way to assist in food processing. Raw food consumption allows for a deeper link with Mother Nature and all the benefits she may provide in the shape of nutritional vitamins and mineral substances which reinforce our systems and refresh our minds.

We all know the potential good nutrition has in making us less likely of contracting disease, but can food actually behave as medicine? Could the great compounds in fruits, greens, beans, seeds and sprouts aggressively function to battle ravaging illnesses while restoring health? State of the art research suggests they can! Modern research is perpetually looking at ways by which diet programs can influence life-shattering conditions such as autism, ADHD, dementia, diabetes, thyroid illness and many more.

Our bodies are really efficient machines which constantly function to remove harmful chemicals and renew themselves, nonetheless sometimes our bodies need to be assisted to do the job effortlessly, more quickly and more efficiently. It has been a known fact ever since ancient times that refraining from copious meals (that is, dishes large in fat and carbs, but nutritionally poor) can help the human body in ways which are obvious with the naked eye.

Hippocrates, who is thought of as the father of modern medical science, uttered, more than 2000 years ago (earlier than humankind had the superior technological innovation to study the human body), something which could appear as common sense to anyone: "Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food!" Clearly, to him, nutrition has obvious medical purposes meaning that it could impact and adjust how we feel and appear on the inside, and it can give us the weapons we must have to naturally reverse illnesses.

Occasional fasting has documented healing attributes that have made it a staple in all major world religions. Uncooked meals are highly recommended through fasting, for their essential nutrient qualities and diminished stress on digestive processes. When you are fasting, your body is introduced to a less stressing diet plan that enables it to heal and regenerate at a swifter pace. In reality, the benefits of a restrictive diet regime are scientifically established to boost the internal environment and support cardiovascular well-being, greater cellular regeneration and all round longevity. Without the load of extreme body-weight and heavy digestion, the human body is eventually permitted to recover on its own naturally.

The food items which are put into our bodies can influence our well-being even before we enter this world. Parents having flawed cells, coming either from toxins or unsuitable eating habits, among various other things, may pass along unhealthy genes. Moreover, considering how fetuses are provided what their mothers consume, it's possible for a mom to unwillingly ingest food items which are detrimental to her fetus's wellness. Young children whose mothers haven't eaten foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids and other crucial macro and micro nutrients possess a larger chance of mental retardation, physical problems or overall ill health.

Raw nuts and seeds are an excellent source of nutritious fats that aid neural development. Diet is additionally important in strengthening the baby's immunity and preparing the youngster for the outside world.

Does this imply parents with poor health are occasionally at fault for giving youngsters a rough start? Although a lot of probable risks can be relieved by adjusting the mother's diet plan in the course of the pregnancy and during breastfeeding, many illnesses carry a robust hereditary attribute as well. A great number of questions could be asked regarding the ways by which food products might change the value of our lives, shape our wellness and even help us to increase life expectancy. This article here is a great resource regarding the topics we've discussed so far, stressing on the therapeutic aspect of our everyday meals.

My Thoughts On Diabetes And Disease

2011-05-30T15:01:00.001-07:00

I hate debates, but I find myself in one time and again. I wrote a newsletter for a local organic food deliver company yesterday and discussed (as requested by the business owner) a "walk for diabetes" which is a fundraiser to find a cure for Type 1 diabetes. I followed with a paragraph on my own personal beliefs. I explained that they were just beliefs and nothing more... but 2 subscribers (both are parents of a child with Type 1) felt the need to educate me on Type 1 diabetes and suggest that it was ridiculous to think it can be cured by lifestyle. These same people, it turns out, are the ones that asked the owner of the comapny to discuss the walk and link to their daughter's fund raising campaign... so they do believe there is a cure, they just believe (it appears) that it is not a natural one.

I just wanted to share my response (see below). Hate me if you want. but everyone is entitled to their opinion still right, or has that changed?

------------------

With all due respect, that doesn't change what I believe.

I think that if the body can reverse disease in a very short time then it stands to reason that it can create disease in a very short time.

Also, if Type 2 can turn into Type 1 then those that have been diagnosed with Type 1 but never Type 2 perhaps just didn't know, perhaps it accelerated too fast.

Additionally, the body is in a constant battle to correct itself, to achieve balance, and whatever the particulars of Type 1 are, perhaps the balance can be achieved when given the right "tools". If people are holding on to the belief that there might be a cure, hence the fund raising that goes on, then providing the right tools can be it. Why can't it be something natural? Why can't something natural "re-program" the cells in our body? I see it all the time, people are adamant there is no cure, dismiss natural approaches, but still campaign to get funds to find a cure. It boggles my mind.

That's my belief, it won't change regardless of how deep anyone wants to take me into the specifics of Type 1 diabetes or any disease. I'm not looking to change anyone else's belief, but I will never stop sharing my thoughts and opinions. I will also never state them as facts and portray them as though they are true, because I really don't know one way or another.

It still baffles me that a sufferer would not change their diet just to see. What's to lose really? It's not going to make it worse. I think if a person is constantly thinking that a cure is around the corner, a cure will always be around the corner.

Either way, the world goes around, sickness (and anything else given enough creativity) is residually profitable. Cures are usually only profitable just one time.

I'll close by saying that whatever you believe is true is true, so I think it is arrogant to try to change someone's beliefs, especially when their beliefs point towards a positive outcome. My belief, in this situation, isn't dangerous. I would never attempt this with my child without supervision from a professional and I would never ignore the need to give insulin. However, I would TRY it, because I know I would have NOTHING to lose and SO MUCH to gain.

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The Way That Eating Chia Seeds Are Able To Help Health

2011-05-21T11:07:00.001-07:00

Everyone has viewed the Chia Pet advertisements that involve the usage of chia seeds to construct one of a kind living clay animals or people. The thing that a lot of people fail to see is always that chia seeds are not only for cute chia bushes, they could also be incorporated into your diet and have a good number of attainable health gains. Even as the majority of people overlook how these seeds may be used in this way, they have a history of being used for longevity practices and currently they are a staple for individuals who are planning to have a diet as raw and beneficial as they can.

Possible Health Advantages

Chia seeds usually are an incredible supplement to the human food plan as they contain high amounts of protein and will be effortlessly processed. Numerous sports enthusiasts and athletes can eat them because they assist with the regeneration of muscular tissue.

Straight after hearing the opinion of a competent therapist, they can potentially also be consumed during pregnancy and lactation to aid the proliferation and improvement of muscles. These seeds are also a good compliment to your diet plan as they provide a great supply of Omega-3 fatty acids, which represents a "good" sort of fat that may be acknowledged to assist the human body incorporate vitamins and minerals and may even alleviate aching for the ones who suffer from bone disorders.

Chia seeds are very easy to incorporate into the eating regimen. They can easily be ingested each day by adding them to cereals, breads made from chia, salads, and perhaps on yogurt in place of granola. A chia gel can be made as well drenching the seeds in water. The seeds can absorb up to ten fold their weight in fluid and can turn into a gel which can be added onto food products without altering the taste in an unfavorable way. Chia gel may be added beautifully in food recipes that contain eggs. Go with only 1/4 cup of soaked seeds as an alternative to one egg.

The Perfect Green Smoothie

2011-05-09T14:07:00.001-07:00

Gloria from GloriaHawa.com wrote a post recently sharing her experiences with consuming green smoothies daily for a few months, and I wanted to share it with you.

She reports weight loss and "a rocketing difference" in energy levels and attributes it to the daily smoothie.

Her main smoothie (various amounts of each, depending how she feels and what's on hand):

spinach
kale
celery
parsley
carrots
bananas (freeze them overnight so they can act as ice cubes)
apple
blueberries
strawberries
flaxseed
filtered water

Pics are included for each step through the process.

Last Chance: Enter The $200 Raw Foods Giveaway

2011-04-12T16:34:00.001-07:00

Have you entered our raw giveaway yet? It’s very very simple to enter. It seriously takes less than 30 seconds and you’re in the running. We will be randomly choosing 2 winners on April 18th.

The Prizes Include:

1st place winner gets $200 spending money at The Raw Food World!
1st place winner gets their choice of Rocking Body Raw Food by Joy Houston, or The Raw Food Diet Plan by Laura-Jane! The 2nd place winner gets the other!
1st and 2nd place winners get their choice of one of the following eBooks:
The 2nd place winner gets a raw food t-shirt from Raw Puriat.
… and that’s not all!

Enter The Contest Here

Can You Obtain All The Known Nutrients That Your System Requires From A Raw Vegan Diet?

2011-04-03T13:50:00.001-07:00

I want to talk about my opinion on the raw foods diet. I understand the idea that cooking food can destroy important enzymes and nutrients and our body needs to take from its finite pool of enzymes to assist in assimilating the food. I also know that after eating raw foods for any length of time, I feel wonderful!

OK then, what is all the discussion about needing meat in our diets? Some well known former raw foodists and some other health pioneers are suggesting that a raw vegan diet may not be appropriate for the long term. All of the opinions differ a bit although some of them feel that meat in the diet is vital for DHA, which is an essential fatty acid, presumably not found in a vegan diet. As far as I understand, DHA is what feeds our brain and I think it also plays a role in eye health.

Resulting from my study of this "concern" I learned that essential fats are plentiful in some seeds, nuts and plant foods, just not the all-important DHA. However, with even more study on the topic I learned that there is an available product that contains DHA from an algae, and algae qualifies as vegan.

I also discovered that, having sufficient EFA's in the diet from vegetable foods (avocados and walnuts etc.), the body can actually manufacture usable DHA from them. Granted, it might be more "effort" than you would like to put your body through, and it might need some additional nutritional compounds that may be beneficial in other areas of the body. But, with the profusion of more absorbable nutrients you get from raw foods, that may not be an issue. However, as stated before, a plant product with DHA is now on the market.

I don't intend to talk about the fallacy that protein isn't available from plant food because I know at this point that has been proven wrong, but an additional often discussed problem regarding the raw foods diet is the deficiency of the very important B12 vitamin, which is said to only be available from meat. A number of raw foodies will suggest the very same thing and then go on to market a vegan supplement with B12 in which "they take themselves". However, a quick study of the Chlorella Factor (chlorellafactor.com) will certainly change your beliefs about that. Again, algaes come out on top.

So, in closing I'd like to give you my opinion on the raw vegan diet for longevity. To keep it real I do not truly know. However, I feel without a doubt that a fully natural raw diet is a very good way to detox as well as heal from illness and maybe even disease.

Since I am unsure about being on a raw diet for a lifetime, I adhere to a mostly raw, mostly plant derived diet unless I am cleansing. I consume a great deal of juices and green smoothies but I also throw in some eggs, bee products such as royal jelly and occasionally some fish.

Getting Wild Foods Into The Diet The Easy Way

2011-03-12T19:12:00.001-08:00

Several years ago I was waiting in the office of my dermatologist having a routine visit after he had discovered (as well as taken out) a skin cancer from my face. This was one among several 5-year twice a month visits where tests and checks would be done to be sure that there was no reoccurrence of the melanoma.

I recall him walking in and probably seeing some worry over my face as I was anticipating the test results. He informed me instantly that the results were good (like always). He suggested, like every other visit, to make an effort to prevent from getting burnt by the sun, which will in turn make getting melanoma much less likely. He additionally repeated that although melanoma is the most fatal cancer, it is additionally the most curable, if caught soon enough, so make sure to not miss any visits.

Always being conscious that food plays a part in health, and being aware that this particular doctor was "health conscious" as he was a vegetarian and arrived to work on a bike often, on this particular visit I decided to ask about food. Although I basically ate "whatever" at that time, I asked "isn't what we eat a huge factor in our health as well as our ability to fight disease?". His reply was along the lines of "you don't eat processed foods and you eat lots of greens, so what else could you do".

I believe that was his way of suggesting a whole foods diet. As I dove right in educating myself regarding nutrition, whole foods, all the completely different diets, it ultimately led me to the concept of vegetarianism, as well as veganism. I figured that those diet programs equated to health however that's not necessarily the case, therefore I continued with my research to discover how to be the most healthy.

When I discovered raw food, I felt that was the solution. I felt consuming a raw, organic, vegan diet was the perfect way to eat. I'm not as convinced anymore that the "normal" raw food diet is "it" though after digging a little deeper. I listened to loads of interviews with Daniel Vitalis in regards to "wild foods", and it really made a lot of sense. He discusses how wild foods are more powerful and that they might tap a root through several layers of concrete just to survive. Also, they usually have medicinal characteristics that could help to "tonify" our organs.

He has said that lots of what we consume, or a lot of what raw foodies and vegans consume is what he calls domesticated foods, foods that were altered over the decades to become new versions of old foods. I believe he stated that the domesticated banana, being totally different from its' wild bretheran, is likened to the distinction between a chihuahua and a wolf.

Now, what's the first step to "going wild"? It's not always simple for people to walk through the forest, find wild health food and make tinctures, salads, teas, etc, however there is something that we could do. "Bitters" are found in food stores, and these could be the closest to "wild" foods that are available "domestically".

Some of the typical "wild-ish" greens that I personally incorporate in my food regime are: dandelion greens, arugula, water cress, collard greens and sometimes endive. Spinach and kale may be eligible as bitters nevertheless we're already including those in our green smoothies aren't we? :)

Milk Free Probiotic Beverage - Making Water Kefir At Home

2011-03-10T10:59:00.001-08:00

I've recently began checking into non-dairy sources of probiotics (the beneficial bacteria), and my findings led me to "water kefir". If you are familiar with milk kefir grains in any way, these grains are quite similar, except you would soak them in water rather than a dairy product.

To get going, I got all the supplies together which includes, a 2L glass jar, some raw healthy sugar, some spring water, and of course, water kefir grains. They are accessible on Amazon however I found mine on eBay. If you are unable to locate the grains on these 2 online stores, try looking for 'tibicos' instead which is a name they are commonly referred to as. They took around a week to get here and at that time I wasn't ready to use them so I kept them in the fridge in a sugar solution. They are able to keep for a couple of weeks in the refrigerator in sugar water. They probably won't reproduce in the fridge, but they should thrive. If you require extra time than that you just have to replace the sugar-water solution.

Once I was all set to produce some water kefir I got out a basic recipe and started brewing. It's ideal to keep the grains separate in a cloth bag that will let the sugar solution to penetrate but not allow it to mix with the other "substances" (because it's just hard to separate them later).

Regarding water, you can boil tap water to eliminate the chlorine (then let cool all the way), or purchase (or obtain) some mineral or spring water. Fill the 2L glass jar 3/4 of the way and add nearly 1/2 a cup of sugar. Additionally, add 1 cup of grains to the cloth (or muslin) bag and be prepared for them to increase in numbers so leave them some space!

You may add a tea-spoon of blackstrap molasses for extra vitamins and minerals for the grains to feed on. Also, adding 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda is usually suggested. This can help avoid a film from being formed on the surface of the water, as well as help enhance the grain growth.

Now, you can use any extra flavors by way of berries, apple and/or lemon slices, a fig or two, some raisins, ginger, etc.

Cover the jar loosely, and let it rest in a dark place (cover with a dish towel if necessary) to ferment and brew your water kefir. Stirring every 12-24 hours is beneficial. Avoid allowing anything metal to come in contact with the grains or the water (during or after the brewing process) as it can damage the beneficial bacteria. Let it sit for 2-3 days, checking the taste once or twice a day. If it's too sweet, let it sit longer, and if it has a vinegary taste it may have sat too long.

Fill the rest of the jar with some 100% fruit juice if desired. The kefir water may be saved in the fridge for a few days to a week.

Enjoy :)

Raw Contest And Giveaway #1 - $200+ In Prizes!

2011-03-07T18:46:00.001-08:00

I just wanted to share with you a "raw" contest going on over at RawFoodHealthWatch.com. There are some amazing prizes and it's really easy to enter. I hope that you participate!

Comprehensive Info On Just What To Expect To Happen During A Colonic Session

2011-03-04T10:40:00.001-08:00

Info shared from my colon hydrotherapist during a recent interview... I asked here "What can someone expect during a colonic?"

A lot of individuals may feel that a colonic is an invasive process that is painful. But for those that have had a colonic before are pleasantly shocked how comfortable the procedure could be. It can be a valuable health tool to be performed together with a 30 day or even as little as a 3 day detox diet.

After finishing a health history form and a consultation with the colon therapist, the individual is asked to change into a gown or even wrap in a towel and lie face up on top of a treatment table. A massage of the belly area is carried out before the therapy session to loosen up any stagnant waste and assist the patient to relax. As soon as the massage is finished which lasts just a couple of moments, the client turns on their left side where the colon therapist places a disposable speculum inside the anus which is nearly the size of an adult's thumb.

The gravity fed pressure helps the water to circulate throughout the whole 5-6 feet of the colon, and it also creates a pressure that is like a vacuum which pulls and draws the waste matter out. Gravity fed colonics are suggested since it is the safest and more effective way of cleaning the colon. It operates with the natural flow of the body, and reduces the possibility of any issues.

The best type of system is the closed system which makes certain that all the waste matter will drain through a closed drainage which also means that the client and the therapist do not smell the feces, so this is also sanitary and much more pleasant.

The client typically feels a small amount of discomfort in the abdomen during part of the therapy as waste as well as gas is being mixed up and pulled out. The colon therapist may employ light massage to the client's abdominal area to assist the process. Cramping is a standard part of the process and once you start to break up stagnant toxic waste, the bowels will do its job to get rid of it. In particular, when performing colon therapy sessions along with a raw food cleanse, much more waste will become present to be expelled.

Additionally, various patients will say the only thing that is uncomfortable about the colon therapy process is merely feeling the urge to push or get to the toilet. It is a "strange" feeling for lack of a better word, nevertheless it is one that you do get accustomed to. Keep in mind that you will be expelling waste while laying over a treatment table, rather than the standard toilet, so it's expected to feel a bit strange initially.

A lot of times while doing a colonic one may encounter 'hot flashes' or start to sweat, or even get goose bumps. This happens because the circulatory system is being stimulated and because the blood is evacuating waste.

A standard session will make use of 15-20 gallons of water and may last anywhere from 35 minutes to a hour. Following the session, the therapist leaves the room, and the client may sit on a toilet to eliminate any residual water and waste.

Various patients will feel lighter, have more energy, feel cleaner as well as less bloated immediately after a session, and they could resume right back to their regular routine. Some may experience a headache or even feel tired and this is because a lot of toxic materials were mixed up. Years of build up doesn't get eliminated in just one session so to receive a more thorough cleaning of the intestines it is recommended to do a minimum of 5-10 sessions and continue on with a raw food detox.

Are There Any Adverse Effects To Consuming Chia?

2011-03-03T07:57:00.001-08:00

The "running superfood" or "stamina food" like it is in many cases referenced as, chia seeds are the very same seeds which are used to "grow hair" on the famous chia pet. Often, the very first time an individual even hears the word "chia", sadly it is about the chia pet. almost nothing is known of the health and healing benefits of the chia seed.

Chia is reported to: supply double the amino acids of many other seeds and grains, provide 3 times the antioxidant concentrations of blueberries, be a rich source of bone building calcium and provide the mineral boron... which assists with the absorption and usage of calcium, offer 3 times the iron contained in spinach, and offer twice more potassium than a banana. More commonly understood about the chia seed is that it is an excellent source of essential fatty acids (the 'healthy' fats).

Moreover, including chia seeds into the daily diet has shown to increase the nutritional assimilation of all foods, not to mention vitamin supplements. Chia has been used as an aid for reflux disease, ulcers, gastritis as well as irritable bowel syndrome.

Potential Chia Seeds Side Effects

Though it is sometimes encouraged to consume these seeds because of the wide array of health benefits that have been recognized, there is still not a great deal known to arrive at a conclusion whether any noted side effects are consistent enough to be reason for major concern.

Some of the adverse effects noted in independent studies:

It has been cautioned that it is a possibility, that too many chia seeds can lower blood pressure in the elderly.

Chia also provides you a significant supply of B vitamins, consequently it is important to be watchful if you are supplementing with any B supplements.

A few individuals have observed a slight increase in gas when eating a handful of the seeds. The high fiber content could easily be accountable for this situation.

It has been noticed that those individuals that have allergic reactions when it comes to mustard seeds have generally noticed a reaction when eating chia.

Being a significant source of Omega 3's which have the ability to thin the blood, some nutritionists suggest that those who are using blood thinners, hemophiliacs, those planning a surgery, and those on an aspirin treatment might be best not eating chia seeds.

Coming a member of the the 'Salvia' family, some specialists suggest not consuming chia day after day since it may have addictive effects when consuming it consistently in sizeable batches.

The side effects of chia seeds and pregnancy have not been tested significantly, so it's suggested not to eat chia while pregnant or lactating to be on the safe side.

Sticking to the following doses ought to help you steer clear of any of the possible unfavorable aspects of eating these seeds.

For men and women, consuming two tablespoons of ground up or soaked chia every day for three weeks out of each month is likely a safe dose, 1/2 that for little children. To aid in heart health, perhaps even doubling the recommended adult dose could be helpful.

Nevertheless, just like with any dietary adjustment, it is always best to obtain the guidance of a health professional prior to committing to any changes :)

Interview: Raw Michelle Talks With Laura-Jane The Rawtarian

2011-02-27T16:19:00.001-08:00

First off, I'd like to say thank you very much for taking the time to talk "raw" with me... If you wouldn't mind just starting off by letting us know a little bit about yourself and your path "to" and "on" raw?

Thank you so much for having me, Michelle. It's my genuine pleasure to be here talking raw with you!

I am a 100% raw vegan. I have been raw for almost two years now and I absolutely love it. But I didn't start out as healthy as I am now!

I was raised by health-conscious parents, but I always rolled my eyes at my mother's healthy casseroles and at how she could get excited about the simplest foods, like crisp apples or a juicy cucumber. I snuck as much junk food as I could, and as I grew up my eating habits got worse and worse.

In 2001, I did become a vegetarian. However, I was a "junk food vegetarian." I ate mostly processed foods, veggie hot dogs, cheese buns, frozen pizzas, chips, candy and much more. I was addicted to junk food. Only very rarely did I eat fresh fruits or vegetables, and when I did I considered it a chore--not a pleasure. Although I was never obese, I certainly carried a more weight than was ideal for my body type. I also had acne-prone skin and, even though I was in my late twenties, I would often have terrible breakouts. I was always tired, lethargic and low energy. Every year, I gained a few more pounds.

Two years ago I realized that I was unhappy with the way I looked and felt. I heard of raw foods out of the blue, and something just clicked for me. I thought that it made sense, and so I decided to go totally raw for 30 days. It was tough, and I was really looking forward to the end of my 30 day raw food experiment.

However, when day 31 (the end of my raw food experiment) came and I was going to go back to the junk food that I used to love, I realized that I didn't want to go back. By the end of my first 30 days as a raw vegan I had begun to actually enjoy eating real fruit and vegetables! And so I have stayed totally raw for almost two years now.

I feel great. I have lost all that extra weight, I feel so energetic, and my skin has cleared up, too. I am now settled into my own raw lifestyle and now I'm focusing my energy on helping others make positive change in their lives through raw foods. My passion is helping others realize that they can "retrain" their tastebuds to enjoy--and even crave--healthy foods.

I'd like your take on something that is of hot debate right now.. some health advocates are suggesting raw vegan foods are great for cleansing and healing but perhaps not for the long term, and some of them are suggesting that, for optimal health, some animal products in the diet are necessary. I'm not looking for a "who's right and who's wrong" kind of thing, just your feelings on that subject.

Great question, Michelle.

Every person is different and we must learn to listen to our bodies. Our bodies will tell us what they need! For example, if I've been eating a lot of raw sweets, I might suddenly be taken over by a powerful urge to consume a huge spinach salad or other leafy green vegetables. The trick is to learn how to read your body's needs and give your body what it wants in return.

I advocate eating a 100% raw food diet for at least your first 30 days (or hopefully longer) so that you can start to retrain your tastebuds and get rid of all those cravings for processed foods and flavors. However, once you've kicked those habits of eating totally dead food, like bagels, jelly beans, and other foods totally devoid of any nutritional value, then where you go from there is up to you.

For me, at this point I truly don't feel that I need (or want) any animal products. I feel at the peak of good health, and my doctor agrees. But what is right for me may not be right for you, and I respect everyone's right to be an expert on their own body and its needs.

Lastly, I do not have children of my own, but I do think that parents who are considering raising young children on the raw food diet have an extra level of responsibility to ensure that they are providing their children with all the nutritional value that they require--especially because young children cannot clearly express or articulate what their bodies need in the same way. It's important to do your own research and find what works for you and your family.

Now, for people that want to go raw but are overwhelmed by the massive amounts of information and misinformation out there, do you have any suggestions on how a person can "ease" into raw, and just keep it simple?

Lol, yes, it can be overwhelming! It's important to avoid "analysis paralysis" when it comes to raw foods. If you are just starting out on your journey, I suggest picking one recipe book or following one teacher or one program and sticking with it for your first 30 days. Bury your head in the sand to everything else raw-related until you get a good handle on how to make some basic raw foods.

Don't worry about whether you've got the best book or the most revered teacher or the most followed program. Just pick one route and take action!

When I started, I had one recipe book (Raw Rose's excellent basic recipe book) and I just got started. It was as simple as that!

Once you've taken substantial action, like eaten high raw or 100% raw for 30 days, branch out a little more, learn more, and do more research. But do it in baby steps!

I often tell people, and more often than not, they find it hard to believe that raw meals can be prepared simply, with very little tools and/or equipment, and often for very little money. Not to say it's easy to change the way you eat, but to suggest that going raw is way too expensive and that you'd have to spend too much time in the kitchen would be incorrect in my opinion... I mean... you can make it as hard or as easy as you like. Would you agree?

Yes, I agree wholeheartedly, Michelle! Raw foods can indeed be as simple or complicated as you like. In fact, when I first went raw we were renovating our kitchen. During my entire first month as a raw vegan I had to run upstairs and wash my dishes in the bathroom sink. So if I could go raw with almost no kitchen, then that shows how easy it can be!

The trick to preparing raw meals is having access to the right kind of recipes and having the right kind of food in your fridge. I prefer simple recipes that use very few ingredients but that still have that satisfying, satiating taste. I recommend that those interested in the raw food lifestyle get a handle on the following:

making a green smoothie
making a salad that you actually enjoy eating
making a nut pate
making a dessert that makes your mouth water

Once you've got these four simple skills under your belt, you can customize your raw food journey to fit into your budget and the time that you have available. And, Michelle, as a busy parent of two young children, I am sure that you can attest to how efficient and easy raw foods can be when necessary!

I want to close by saying thank you for the review copy of your program... The Raw Food Diet Plan. I will contact you when I post my review on my site :) but could you let my readers know the intended audience for the program.. you know... who would get the most benefit from it? And where they can find it...

Sure, thanks so much for asking about it. One of my favorite things to do is to help the raw-curious take action and become raw fooders. There are so many people out there who want to lose weight and feel better inside and out, but they just don't know where to start, which usually means they don't start! I created The Raw Food Diet Plan to help put people on the road to raw success using very clear, step-by-step instructions.

The Raw Food Diet Plan is a very structured program that contains a starter kit, meal plans, shopping lists and basic recipes. But it's more than just a recipe book. The starter kit is so important, because it outlines--step by step--what to do in order to prepare for your raw food journey, both emotionally and in your kitchen.

The Raw Food Diet Plan is geared to help people who have never experimented with raw foods before, so The Plan takes you through stocking your kitchen, getting support from your family, friends and co-workers, what equipment you need (and don't need!), and what raw food recipes to make for your first 30 days as a raw fooder.

Thanks for your time, it's been a pleasure talking raw foods with you :)

Same to you, Michelle. Thanks for all you're doing for the raw community. Keep up your fabulous energy and let's talk again soon!

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Laura-Jane the Rawtarian is a passionate raw vegan who enjoys sharing raw food recipes and inspiring others to change their lives with the raw food lifestyle. She is also the creator of The Raw Food Diet Plan.

Quick Healthy Tips

2011-02-25T07:55:00.001-08:00

Coconut Oil

Without question, we all really should be over the notion that coconut oil is bad for us. Ever since it was proposed as being bad for us, health advocates have debunked that thought time and again, by showing and endorsing the healthy advantages of coconuts and its byproducts.

Coconut oil can be a healthy substitute for practically any other oil, as well as a replacement for both margarine (you know... the substance that is, what is it... one molecule away from being plastic!) and butter.

Coconut oil can also be safely used on the skin. It can also be warmed with out compromising its health properties, and also be eaten raw.

Don't be concerned of the look of the oil... it can possibly be dense like lard in chillier conditions, and much much thinner in warmer environments.

Coconut oil has been described by some as "the healthiest oil on earth". Other than coconut oil, the only other oil I consume is olive oil.. largely in just dressings. It has been suggested that heating olive oil can destroy the nutritious attributes (exactly like most foods wouldn't ya say?), however it has also been suggested that heat modifies the properties to the point of actually being harmful to DNA! So I would never suggest to cook with olive oil.. I personally just pour it on greens and veggies every once in awhile.

Mono Eating

Just as the name implies, mono-eating involves consuming just a single food at one-time... then waiting for that food to be fully digested before eating another.

The special benefit to mono-eating is that it eases the digestion and assimilation process, perhaps allowing for many more vitamins and minerals to be absorbed, then if a variety of foods were consumed.

Yet another, rather fascinating benefit that is advocated to be a benefit of mono-eating, is that it provides the body an opportunity to "catalog" the nutritional worth of the food, to be sure that at a later date, when the body is need of a nutrient, it generates cravings for a food where that nutrient is dominant! Very cool!

This reminds me of the story (if I recall correctly.. from the publication: Green Smoothie Revolution) about Sergei Boutenko who experienced strong cravings for sesame seed milk right after breaking a bone. The calcium from the sesame milk helped heal the broken bone very quickly. Sergei's sister experienced a similar medicinal story in which I believe involved olives... interesting stuff!

RawFoodHealthWatch.com Update #2 - Coconut Kefir, Truly Raw Carob Powder, Chia Bread Recipes

2011-02-23T08:37:00.001-08:00

Once a week I will try and share with you some of the latest content that I've shared across the web, primarily on RawFoodHealthWatch.com. I hope that some (or all) of this info is of value to you :) Enjoy!

New Article Posted To RawFoodHealthWatch.com: Coconut Kefir

This article on coconut kefir discusses an approach to making kefir (a dairy-free source of probiotics) using 'kefir starter' as opposed to kefir grains. A small amount of heat is applied to the coconut water, however, it is still considered "raw".

New Recipe Posted To RawFoodHealthWatch.com: Chia Bread Recipes

Chia is said to: have triple the antioxidant levels of blueberries, be a rich source of calcium, have double the potassium than a banana... and more! Check out these recipes for chia bread. Included are recipes for chia shortbread, banana-chia-nut bread, and onion-chia bread.

New Product At Raw Food At Cost Blog: Raw Carob Powder

Raw carob contains vitamins A, B, B2, B3 and D. It is also high in calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and potassium and contains iron, manganese, barium, copper and nickel. It is commonly used as a healthy replacement for chocolate.

Latest Newsletter:

Article: What To Expect During A Colonic Session?
Recipe: Chocolate Milk Recipe
Mono Eating: The One Sided Diet Choice

View this raw newsletter in the archives

Chia Seed Health Benefits

2011-02-22T13:26:00.001-08:00

Chia seeds are the actual seeds found in the widely known Chia Pet™, but they're more than that, they offer excellent nutritional and therapeutic value, and at one point in history were also used as a sort of currency. Chia seeds, in history, have also been utilized as an endurance food, supplying an abundance of energy for lengthy runs as well as hunts. These days chia seeds are a common food choice among raw food eaters, as well as many other conscious eaters.

Realistic Pluses For Diabetes Sufferers

If you are combining chia seeds with water, quite like flax, after awhile, a gel-like formulation takes shape (known as chia gel). It is suggested that when consumed, this gel-like formulation makes a barricade in between carbs and their associated digestive enzymes, accordingly slowing down the transformation into sugar. This "barricade" also contributes to them being an "endurance" food just as talked about previously, due to the fact that they create a continual stream of "fuel" for your body.

How Can Chia Seeds Be A Factor Towards Well-Being?

Chia seeds are processed and assimilated with ease, which helps make the nutrients immediately presented to your body.

Being a supplier of amino acids, for instance, make chia seeds great in conditions in which tissues command quick development and / or regeneration. This comes about during typical development periods (childhood to adolescence), throughout pregnancies and lactation, and also soon after any muscle tissue conditioning by athletes and bodybuilders.

Chia seeds are also a rich source of essential fatty acids (the "good" fats), especially ALA (alpha-linoleic acid). These essential fats help our bodies to abosorb fat soluable vitamins, plus they can help with relief from arthritic pain. Essential fats are also vital for normal thyroid and adrenal glandular activity, as well as many other health advantages.

Adding Chia Seeds Into Your Eating Routine

Chia can be added to loads of meals and recipes. They can be sprinkled on to cereals, yogurt, salads, and so forth.

When soaked, chia seeds are able to take up nine to ten times their weight in water. This makes it possible for the resultant chia gel to substitute for numerous unfavorable elements in foods, often while not compromising flavour, and now and again even adding flavour.

For vegans, or, converting raw vegans, chia gel offers a useful egg replacement in recipes. Basically stir a single tablespoon of chia seeds with a few tablespoons of water and just let it sit for roughly ten to fifteen minutes. An egg could be switched out with roughly 1/4 cup of chia gel.

Non-Dairy Coconut Kefir Water

2011-02-20T19:56:00.001-08:00

Just like the numerous kefir water recipes, coconut kefir water is a wonderful way for getting valuable flora (good bacteria) into the gastrointestinal system.

Firstly, it is suggested that we need to purposely take in pro-biotics in one way or another in an effort to balance our gut flora. It is agreed that with all of the antobiotic use (or abuse) we are wiping out bacteria both good and bad.

Second of all, supporters of good bacteria and coconut kefir have stated to see benefits in the following areas when consuming them steadily: endocrine system cleansing, liver cleansing, calming benefits, increased energy, fighting of food cravings, body nourishing and balancing, combating sleep disorders, assisting with ADHD, fighting of meloncholy, and also antifungal properties. It is also regarded as a all-natural antibiotic against the "unhealthy" bacteria. Lots of health leaders are even introducing kefir into the therapeutic methods against autistic behaviour!

I made the assumption that when making coconut kefir water, one would just use coconut water rather than well, mineral, spring, or raw water in any water kefir recipes, although that process should probably work, the widespread preparation practice for preparing this wholesome probiotic drink is to some extent different.

Preparing coconut kefir needs, naturally, several coconuts (use around 9 or 10 to make a gallon), in addition to some kefir starter.

The approach is pretty straightforward... simply open your coconuts and then drain the contents into a gallon glass jar, place the jar in a large pot of water and heat it until the water gets to a temperature just below 100°F (which is normal body temperature so you are likely to not feel the water... indicating it's at the correct temperature). Pull off from the heat and pour in a packet of starter, cover and let stand for 12-48 hours.

Taste the kefir water every six to twelve hours... you will be seeking a tangy or tart flavour, not a really sweet taste. The kefir water is going to look somewhat murky and not clear like when you started.

Suggestion: It is advised to stay clear of coconut water that carries a tint of pink or purple to it since it is claimed to be rotten. If it's too hard to tell, the meat of the spoiled cocunut will be a grey-ish colour rather than a profound white. This "rotten" test is debatable however... many do suggest that the pinkish colour is the indicator of a immature but healthy coconut. I myself discard it to be safe, but it's for you to decide!

RawFoodHealthWatch.com Update #1 - Colostrum, Chocolate Milk Recipe, Royal Jelly

2011-02-17T10:52:00.001-08:00

New Article Posted To RawFoodHealthWatch.com: Bovine Colostrum Supplement

Perhaps common knowledge, perhaps not, colostrum is what is given to newborn babies (and animals) from the teet. Colostrum is said to have the anti-bodies that the mother's immune system had created after fighting illnesses (providing the mother was not given antibiotics and the body was given freedom to conquer the illness on its own).

Well, the opinion that colostrum should help people (and animals) throughout life and not just in infancy, has led to people taking colostrum supplements, often from bovine. Now... some of the products claim that they take the colostrum from multiple animals (in this case, multiple bovines) in order to get a wide array of anti-bodies... but they fail to indicate whether bovin anti-bodies are even helpful in humans.. perhaps they are and that's obvious and shouldn't be questioned?

New Recipe Posted To RawFoodHealthWatch.com: Chocolate Milk Green Juice

This yummy drink, although dairy-free and made from green (and orange) veggies does really tasts like chocolate milk to me.. and my kids LOVE it!

The ingredients include: carrots, romaine and spinach... juice them up in whatever your desired quantity of each (trial and error will get it right for you) and enjoy. Because of the colours of the ingredients you can even get it to a nice shade of brown.

Hope you like it! Green juices are like injecting vitamins and minerals intravenously!

New Product At Raw Food At Cost Blog: Royal Jelly

Some say that royal jelly has everything the body needs in regards to nutrition, and although I'm personally skeptical of that statement, I read nothing but GREAT things about this product... the suggested health benefits are unbelievable.

Diabetes: Can Type 1 Be Cured?

2011-02-01T14:36:00.001-08:00

An article I posted on infoWindsor.com ( http://infowindsor.com/the-raw-vegan-diet-reversing-disease-in-3-days/ ) in respect to raw food and diabetes caught some criticism and I wanted to share an email thread from an angry reader. Please share your thoughts. My responses were not as dignified as I'd normally like to be, and I'm sure the lady who originated it feels the same. Names were remived as I was not given permission to share this thread.

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Her Original Message
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Hello Michelle Bosmier,

I just came across The Raw Vegan Diet Reversing Disease In 3 Days article that you wrote for the info Windsor's web site were you imply that eating a raw vegan diet can revers type 1 diabetes and I am appalled. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease, which means that the body attacks the insulin producing cells of the pancreas. Insulin is a hormone in the body that acts as a key, opening cells allowing glucose to enter and be used as energy. Without insulin a person will die. There is NO cure for type 1 diabetes especially a cure from eating raw vegan foods.

My daughter was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 3 almost 2 years ago. It is a 24/7 disease, we are in a constant battle trying to balance food, insulin and a very active, ever growing 5 year old to ensure healthy and safe blood sugar levels. My daughter receives 4 shots of insulin a day and countless finger picks to check her blood sugar. This little girl has been through a lot, to say the least and if all it would take is eating a raw vegan diet to save her from this horrible disease trust me we would.

You are spreading lies and more misconceptions about type 1 diabetes and that is what I can't stand. People have a very hard time understanding this disease, it is very complicating and very misunderstood. People do not understand that we are fighting for my daughters life every single day, one small mistake, one small thing over looked and she can die. This disease is very serious. People need to know the truth about this disease not some made up nonsense about reversing or a cure from food .

Windsor itself is going through a "epidemic" of type 1 diabetes diagnosis at this time, Children and adults are being diagnosis at alarming numbers. Please do some real research next time you write an article because what you write can and may be putting someones life in real danger.

T1 mom

#######
My First Response
#######

I don't know one way or another if it will "cure" it. Have you tried the raw vegan diet to see for yourself? I suspect not. Myself, if my child was diabetic, I would at least give it a try before dismissing it. Other people claimed to have come off insulin. The body has a remarkable ability to heal itself if given the chance.

It seems that you are hanging on to a particular belief and not willing to let go of it. You call yourself a "T1 Mom" so clearly you already labelled yourself and put yourself in this "role" and you probably spend a lot of time and energy staying within that role. I knew someone similiar that enjoyed discussing it and "attached" it to himself and his life, not willing to let go, perhaps a bit short-sighted and narrow minded he is.

Open mindedness is what I have.. and often doctors flat out lie or don't know, plain and simple. But, people tend to always hang on every word of these "authorty" figures.

I find it appalling that you wouldn't even try, what's the harm really? If you are bent about proving it wrong, please... do so.

I will buy you a copy of the DVD if you want to gain a better understanding of the diet and what it entails. I would LOVE to prove you wrong.

And... how can I be putting someone's life in danger!!!! I'm not saying drop your insulin and just go raw. The DVD suggests switching to this diet and along with a doctor, monitor the need for insulin... someone who constantly harps that things are impossible, I feel, are the dangerous ones.

Tell me about your and your child's daily diet.. and then research each item to see what it does or doesn't do for the body. You are what ya eat sista.

#######
Her Response
#######

Your article states this diet will "revers" disease and then continues to mention diabetes, type 1 and type 2 leading people to the idea that you can "cure" type 1 diabetes. Like I said before there is No cure for type 1 diabetes. The food that my child ate did not cause this nor will it revers it. The only thing that is able to keep her alive is insulin.

These other people that you talk about must have been type 2 diabetics because if a type 1 went off insulin they would die. Like I said before, their bodies do not produce insulin, they don't have the cells to produce insulin, without insulin our bodies can't turn glucose from veggies and fruits or pasta and cookies into energy. If glucose is
not absorbed into the cells it accumulates in the blood stream and a person will develop and can die from Diabetic Ketoacidosis. Our cells need this energy, if it does not get the glucose the body begins to break down fat and a person will slowly starve to death. My point is there is a huge difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes and that is what I'm trying to educate you about.

Before you write an article understand what you are taking about, Is a raw vegan diet healthy...maybe, I really have not looked into it and I would never state that is was or was not because I really don't know.

Can it help type 2 diabetes...I really have no idea and again I would not state that it could or could not because I really don't know.

will it heal a type 1...absolutely not, I KNOW THIS.

Trust me, you are preaching to the chore when suggesting that doctors do not know everything. Four different doctors sent us home after I told them my daughter was really sick. Four different doctors almost killed my daughter, finally after I brought my daughter to the ER was she diagnosed with T1.

The fact that a raw vegan diet can not "reverse" "heal" or cure type 1 is not a doctors opinion it is scientific fact, and that is why I believe it.

You speak about having an open mind I would like to discuss being educated about the topics you write about, did you even look into what type 1 diabetes is before you wrote about it? Do/did you know the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes before you wrote your article?

Why is this information dangerous to people?? When facts are not true it is dangerous. People sometimes believe everything that they read, they may feel like they have found a cheap cure, they may want to give it a try. Of course you are telling people to consult with a doctor, will people? who knows. All I know is that if someone decided to give this a try and get off a very intensive, very expensive treatment of insulin it can be very dangerous. Also if people who are already confused about type 1 read your article and make the assumption that these T1 diabetics can eat there way to a cure or revers it, why would they donate 1 cent to finding a real cure? ###### My Interjection: Wait, didn't you say there is NO CURE? ###### That as well is dangerous. Every day that my daughter lives with this disease her life is in danger.

T1 mom, that would truly rather just be a known as mom

#######
My Response
#######

I disagree. I feel that under a doctors supervision a person could safely reduce insulin and other medications. And I feel that if someone were to take "real" food and "real" medicinal herbs and such that the body could be challenged in such a way that it can heal. I'm very confident that can be the case. The organs can begin doing what they were supposed to. Reducing the "junk" and giving the "good" stuff could bring this healing on.

Perhaps you feel guilty which is why you are so angry. And you should feel guilty. We as parents are directly responsible for the food that is consumed by our children. Unhealthy foods will make bad conditions worse.

And sure, a disease that someone is born with (probably from unhealhty genes passed from the parents) may never be curable, but I'm confident it can become manageable.

I know the title of my article is a bit controversial and "suggestive"... but I want people to click and read and perhaps consider other avenues instead of being stubborn and bull headed and set in their ways. A lot of people are just too lazy to make changes and deny possibilities. I do it all the time myself in a lot of areas in my life.

But I stand by my opinion that people's bodies are capable of miracles. And healthy diets, positive thinking, positive surroundings, and the like CAN and DOES help all the time.

negativity, anger, resentment, narrown mindedness.. will keep ppl sick and stuck.

It's not dangerous to try...
I don't know. But I'm done.. thanks for your input. And I apologize that you haven't changed my mind. That article could save a life and I hope it does. And like you said.. a lot of people believe everything they read... so what's wrong with instilling a little faith... I would hope the person would be responsible enough to work on it with a doctor. Checking your blood sugar levels determines how much insulin you need anyway right.. well, that should tell people how they are doing.

I'm sure if someone came out with some "super" drug manufatured in a lab diabetics would be all over it.. but to suggest somethng non-risky and natural, ppl are up in arms.. it's funny really.

#######
I still stand by my responses and beliefs but I do feel bad about how I handled it. The woman's daughter is ill and I pray her situation improves.

Genesis Today Contest - First Place Valued At $600

2010-12-07T19:39:00.001-08:00

I just wanted to share with you a contest being put on by Genesis Today. They created a new line of "superfruit juices" and are offering some in the prize packs. There will be 27 winners and the draw is December 20th, 2010. It's open to U.S. residents only (which disqualifies me unfortunately)... but hopefully you can enter. Learn more about the contest and read my Genesis Today Superfruit Juice review here.

Just Say No To GMO by Michael Adams

2010-11-16T13:28:00.001-08:00

Here's a fun rap song by Michael Adams to help spread the word, and ultimately STOP GMO foods from being brought to our plates.

Song Lyrics

Song by Mike Adams, with spoken lines from
Jeffrey Smith

I'm lookin at the food that's in the grocery store
They say it's safe, everybody eat more.
On second thought, I don't really know if it's made with those GMOs

So I'm lookin for the non-GMO label 'fore I bring it home and put it on my table
I wanna know it's verified so I don't
Harm myself with genetically modified

Uh-Oh
They don't want you to know
All the poison they grow
The corporate profits they show from those GMO OH

Those Frankenseeds that they sow
They're gonna hurt us we know
It's time we told 'em to go, say GMO NO!

I don't want eat poison, I don't want gene mutations at my dinner reservations
it's a food abomination what they doin' to this fast food nation
They take artificial gene combinations
inject them in seed variations
so they can grow their Frankenfood imitations
while the side effects cause medical patients

Keep their profits alive while they
spraying all the food with name brand herbicides
and all the while they're spreadin' their lies
Monsanto destroyin' farmers lives
and the FDA keeps it all going
saying it's safe even though they all know it's just
poison stealing away your life, and that's what you eat with genetically modified.

GMO safety huh that's a corporate myth
if you don't believe me listen to Jeffery Smith
He's the man with plan gonna do what he can
To help us all get those GMOs banned
But we need you to lend a hand
take a stand against this food scam
It's a mission for the health condition worldwide
We don't wanna live genetically modified

Don't eat food unless you know what's in it
Don't believe the propaganda cuz the press will spin it
Affects everybody, we all up in it
Stand up to Monsanto, tell 'em oh no you didn't

Reject Frankenfoods in the store
demand honest labels so we can be informed
We have a natural right to know
What we buyin' Just say no to GMO

Before our farms start dyin'
Just say no to GMO

Those corporate crooks are lyin'
Just say no to GMO

This time we're not complyin'
Just say no to GMO

We're just not buyin' it
Just say no to GMO

Adya Clarity At Cost Extended

2010-11-08T09:41:00.001-08:00

Have You Heard Of The Potential Healing Powers Of Adya Clarity?

Hey...

I'm sure that you've heard the buzz lately about Adya Clarity.

Initially we were hearing about how it cleans out our drinking water of impurities rendering the impurities harmless. Now it's taken on a whole new life as the testimonials come in.

People are talking about parasite removal from their cats on this stuff, others are talking about tooth decalcification, others have mentioned being healed from eczema. People are taking baths with it and finding they are feeling cleaner than ever. They say gunk is coming out of them when bathing with it. One person claims to have peed black! An extreme sign of detox. Crazy!

Go to this page here to see these testimonials and more being discussed on video.

Adya Clarity is currently available at almost 1/2 off the regular price. This offer was supposed to end on Halloween but because the stuff has been flying off the shelves and some people were unable to purchase, the deal has been extended.

Forget The Extract, Use The Bean

2010-10-22T22:19:00.001-07:00

I just love the exotic flavour of the vanilla bean, err orchid pod. Vanilla beans, or more appropriately, the long, thin, dried pods of an orchid have a unique and exotic flavor, much different than vanilla extract. When using vanilla in a smoothie I use the seeds that are inside the bean. To get them out, simply slit the pod to remove the bean. Then slit the bean and scrape out the tiny seeds into the smoothie. The remainder of the bean can be stored in the fridge for up to 6 months when wrapped tightly and stored in an air tight container.

High Raw Vegan and Some Meat, Is That Ideal?

2010-10-14T12:14:00.001-07:00

Day 5 of the Raw Mom, Cooked Dad summit is under way. Again, Raw Mom Cooked Dad is a series of free audio calls... so far with some mostly-raw food eaters, but still to come some mostly-cooked eaters as well. Missed the first 4 days? That's OK, they are making the archives available to you as well.

Today's calls include interviews from Jenna Norwood (the lady who put together the Supercharge Me! 30 Days Raw documentary), Heather Pace and Dr. LindaJoy Rose.

So far I have only listened to Heather's call. As an oversight, Jenna's call hadn't been posted yet (but it probably will be over the next couple of minutes or by the time you read this) and I will be listening to Dr. Rose's a little later.

Well.. I have to say.. Heather Pace's interview was amazing!

Here are my current thoughts on diet (yes, my belief system is still evolving and always will be)... which were RE-confirmed more so after hearing Heather's story.

Perhaps it's not meat that is getting people sick, it is the fact that there is sooo much crap injected into it.. and having the advantage of hunting your own wild meat and fish would definitely be ideal!

As Daniel Vitalis says.. something like this (certainly not a direct quote) -> raw veganism is a new thing, a sort of experiment.. no indigenous cultures that he is aware of have ever eaten strictly raw and strictly vegan.. all had cooked food and most (or all I forget) ate meat.

I heard before that eating meat allowed the cavemen to leave the cave. It fed their brains in a different way (DHA I suspect) that allowed them to think differently, increase their intelligence and give them the know-how to build from there..

I know that there is a vegan source of DHA derived from algae but some people say that humans weren't meant to eat algae, we were meant to eat the fish and other animals that ate (and processed) the algae..

I agree of course that the raw vegan diet is very healthy and therapeutic and life saving and very important to be a major part of the diet... but really.. whole foods is where it's at (for me).. chemical-free whole foods.. foods that haven't been deliberately subject to toxins... (organic produce) and wild foods (meat and greens and fruits, etc).. I want to be the one that mixes the ingredients (whole food ingredients) in my kitchen and not have them prepared in boxes and cans for my convenience.

I struggled with the idea that the 100% raw vegan diet was the way to go and now I'm feeling more and more strongly that it isn't.. this way makes the most sense.

But like it has been said over and over, in every aspect of life and not just food.. what works for one person may not work for another. You have to trust your instincts and listen to your body and your heart :)

I definitely am still avoiding fast food joints, deep fried foods, refined sugars, traditional pasta (except perhaps brown rice pasta), most breads, pork... and mass produced poorly raised beef, chicken and other flesh. I am not opposed to eating grain fed meats, sardines and other low-mercury fish, healthy eggs (maybe raw yolks)...etc. but I still want to stay HIGH raw, organic vegan because there is no doubt it makes me feel great. For me..still.. as I write this.. mostly green smoothies is what my family and I consume day in and day out.

Free Raw Food And Health Related Recorded Audio Calls

2010-10-10T07:51:00.001-07:00

Just wanted to let you know that the Raw Mom, Cooked Dad event has kicked off today.

Today's recorded audio calls are with Brendan Brazier (the Vega guy), Alissa Cohen, Penni Shelton and Markus Rothkranz.

Visit this post to learn more about today's class, plus you can see the lineup for the upcoming calls. That way.. if you have a particular person you want to listen to you can schedule appropriately.

And.. just so ya know.. these calls have been recorded recently so it's "the latest" on what these folks think about raw food and healthy eating.

And to listen all you need to do is click play on the audio player and turn up the speakers. I believe they will be offering the option to download the calls as well.

Oh.. and the divas are giving away a random copy of the Monkey Mike raw recipe book for kids on their blog. All you have to do is comment on this post telling them what ya thought of todays calls. Enjoy!

Cute Theme Song For Raw Mom Cooked Dad

2010-10-08T13:41:00.001-07:00

Want to hear the theme song for the Raw Mom, Cooked Dad event? Check it out below...

But first, if you haven't heard of "Raw Mom, Cooked Dad" here's a bit about it...

It's starts on the 10th of October (in just 2 days!). It's essentially a collection of recorded (recently recorded) audio calls/interviews from raw and cooked (and mixed) experts, authors, speakers, moms, dads, children, athletes, etc. and they are being made available to you and I for free.

Here's the song (just click play).. which was created by the Old No. 3 Trio.. it's really cute and clever. If you can't see the audio player, I pasted the lyrics below as well. Enjoy!

VERSE 1

He likes his cold beer, she holds her smoothies dear

He orders gravy with a side of fries

She falls for Romaine wraps, he thinks they’re rabbit scraps

Each time they share a meal she cries:

CHORUS 1

I want peace on our plates

Let’s make health not hate

I just can’t stand to argue anymore

When I eat sprouts you shout

When you eat chips I flip

We’ve gotta end this Raw Mom Cooked Dad war

VERSE 2

Now he tries her green juice and she holds a silent truce

when he orders gravy and a side of fries

She gives him dino kale and he’s still a macho male

Now each time they share a meal she cries:

CHORUS 2

We’ve got peace on our plates

No more deep fried debates

There’s food for thought when push comes to shove

Now we eat well together

And life just gets better

Cause we’re fillin’ up on Raw Mom Cooked Dad love

We’ve got peace on our plates

No more deep fried debates

There’s food for thought when push comes to shove

Now we eat well together

And life just gets better

Cause we’re fillin’ up on Raw Mom Cooked Dad love

I say we’re fillin’ up on Raw Mom Cooked Dad love

Click Here To Sign Up For Raw Mom, Cooked Dad

Raw Mung Bean Sprouts

2010-10-06T17:34:00.001-07:00

A fun activity to do with the family.. sprouting some beans! Sprouts are very nutritious, some are complete proteins (contain all of the essential amino acids), packed with enzymes, loaded with anti-oxidants and high in vitamins. They are mini nutritional powerhouses that are low in calories. Cooked mung bean sprouts are often found in Chinese/Asian foods. But, as we know.. when cooking the sprouts, the enzymes they worked so hard to produce are destroyed along with the other nutrients.... ...But.. if visiting an Asian restaurant you don't have to get them cooked.... ....When I go to the restaurant I order lightly steamed veggies with raw mung sprouts on a bed of brown rice. You may not always have the opportunity to be raw but you can always ask that they take the veggies off the grill earlier than normal and ask that they they leave the sprouts raw... all restaurants I have been to (not that there have been many since being raw) haven't denied me yet. Anyway... besides the high ezymatic profile in mung beans, they contain pure forms of vitamins A, B, C, and E, in addition to an assortment of minerals including calcium, iron, and potassium. Bean (or other) sprouts can add nutritional value to green smoothies, green juices, soups, salads, sandwiches or enjoyed by themselves as a snack. My children were unknowingly practicing mono eating the other day when enjoying their raw mung bean sprouts.

Making Raw Mung Bean Sprouts

Adopted from the style used in this organic sprouting article, with the help of my 2 1/2 year old daughter, we filled the bottom of our sprouting jar with some organic mung beans (sometimes we also mix in adzuki beans or use adzuki beans alone).

Next we topped it with some fresh water and let it sit in a dry dark cupboard over night.

The next day we drained the jar and poured in some water, then dumped it back out to give them a rinse. Then we set the jar on a 45 degree angle upside down in a bowl to allow it to drain fully throughout the day. We put the bowl on the fridge with a tea towel draped over top.

If you can remember to rinse/drain them a few times a day that's great..also be sure to wash out and dry the bowl on occasion. We usually put a sticky note on the cupboard that says "sprouts" as a reminder to anyone strolling by.

After a couple days of the rinse/drain cycles they should be ready to eat. If they start to grow roots they are still ok to eat... they just taste a little bitter.

We store ours in a bowl in the fridge and continue to rinse and drain them using a colander or other strainer.

My daughter loves to help... she likes to pour in the water and dump it back out.. and is excited to see that the "frouts" are bigger the next time we rinse them together :)

Now.. go make some sprouts!

Date And Nut Torte - Raw Alternative For A Typical Birthday Cake

2010-10-05T11:25:00.001-07:00

This year for my son's first birthday we decided to make a raw birthday cake in the form of a date and nut torte. It turned out really good and the kids really liked it.

Below is the recipe and the instructions if you'd like to give it a try.

Date Nut Torte Ingredients

2 cups of raisins
2 cups of walnuts (or other nut)
1 cup of pitted dates
1/2 of a juiced lemon

It's best if the nuts and dates are soaked for a few hours ahead of time (maybe overnight for the nuts). That way they are more easily digested and better assimilated by your body.

The Base

In a food processor (or perhaps a good blender), blend the raisins and the nuts. Maybe add a few dates into the base as well, it tends to taste even more yummy that way!
Form your blend onto a plate in whatever shape you desire.

The Frosting

Blend the dates and the lemon juice and spread over the base.

Then... serve and eat... refrigerate the remaining and eat within a couple days if it sticks around that long!

I have posted this and other raw vegan recipes in my Gone Raw profile here.

2011 Raw Beauty Calendar

2010-10-01T08:47:00.001-07:00

Need a calendar for 2011? Why not scoop up an eco-friendly calendar, that has raw food recipes inside, that donates a bit of the proceeds to Organic Athlete (organicathlete.org) and displays 'raw' models of all ages each month? And.. when I say 'raw' models, I'm not just saying that they are just raw food eaters ;)

See for yourself...

Click Here To See A Sample Page From The Raw Food Calendar

Easy Raw Food Recipe Book For Kids

2010-09-29T17:21:00.001-07:00

Monkey Mike's Raw Food Kitchen!
The First Ever Un-Cookbook for Kids!

Instantly Download This Recipe Book Right Now, No Matter If It's 2 In The Morning!

This book boasts more than 140 pages, 36 recipes, and countless creative illustrations, and it's more than just a recipe book. The book is peppered with creative food facts, activities, a word search, jigsaw puzzle, and a coloring page, too!

All of the recipes are guaranteed to be:

gluten free
dairy free
vegan
100% raw
good for growing bodies and brains

Recipe categories include:

Smoothies, milkshakes and juices
Salads and dressings
Sweet snacks
Savory snacks
Desserts and puddings

Click Here To Learn More

Educational section include:

Step-by-step instructions for making mom breakfast in bed
An introduction to green smoothies
How to grow a sprout garden
How to create still-life food art
And more...

Your children's food choices now affect their health, longevity and happiness for a long time to come. Do you want to look back and think.. I may have been able to avoid these food allergies, this asthma, his ADD, her child-onset diabetes or the twins obesity?

Get Your Children Going On The Right Path Now. Click Here To Order The Recipe Book Now And Download It Immediately. It's Very Affordable At Just $19.95!

Raw Mom, Cooked Dad

2010-09-28T06:49:00.001-07:00

He says bacon. You say broccoli. He says bread sticks. You say celery. Raw Mom, Cooked Dad

40 Leading Health Experts Tell It Like It Is

2010-09-27T15:00:00.001-07:00

Have you heard about this event yet?

On October 10, 2010 a big, no cost event in the world of raw food, veganism, vegetarianism and healthy living kicks off and you (and I) won't want to miss it.

40 of the world's leading experts on raw food, nutrition and healthy living tell what they REALLY think.

Sign up to reserve your spot here (I got mine) (f-r-ee):
http://rawfoodhealthwatch.com/go/rawdivas/raw-mom-cooked-dad.php

Discussion from:

- men's men who survive and thrive on foods from the plant kingdom
including David Wolfe and Matt Monarch
- athletes who survive and thrive on foods from the plant kingdom
including John Salley
- health care practitioners
- raw food goddesses including Jenna Norwood (Supercharge Me!)
- raw food chefs including Ani Phyo and Alissa Cohen
- young raw eaters including Victoria's son, Sergei Boutenko
- cooked food dads
- meal planners and kitchen organizers
- and more!

Learn more here:
http://rawfoodhealthwatch.com/go/rawdivas/raw-mom-cooked-dad.php

Green Smoothies To Go

2010-09-27T13:52:00.001-07:00

I use mason jars most of the time for my green smoothies. They hold a lot, there is no concern for BPA (Bisphenol A) and the wide-mouthed ones are easy to clean by hand ...

... however, they aren't exactly convenient when on the go. They don't fit well in a cup holder and they are prone to breakage ...

... plus, I had enough of people turning up their nose to the "unsightly green stuff" :)

I even sometimes get comments like.. "are you drinking pickle juice?", or "is that salad dressing you are sipping on?" lol

I actually don't mind the questions but what about the people that don't say anything... what are they thinking? Is it "oh... she wants me to ask what the green stuff is so she can brag about how healthy she is!".. haha

OK, maybe they aren't thinking that.. but keeping the healthy yummy smoothies out of plain view, (like is happening with the see-through glass mason jars) can sometimes be a better thing when on the go.

I was on the hunt for a to-go-smoothie container for awhile and I finally found one that fits the bill: it is green in color already so it's not obvious what the color of the drink inside is...

... it is 1 liter (or 32 ounces) so it still holds a lot... they are BPA-free, and they are wide-mouthed like the mason jars for easy cleaning by hand.

You can learn more about them on this site: Green Smoothie Queen (in the top nav, click "Green Goodies", then "Green Smoothie Jugs")

Supercharge Me! 30 Days Raw

2010-09-26T10:15:00.001-07:00

I just watched, and reviewed (click to see the trailer), an interesting raw food documentary by Jenna Norwood called Supercharge Me! 30 Days Raw.

Here's how the film is described:

"Jenna Norwood takes us on her journey to see what happens when she enrolls in a raw food detox center and consumes only organic, raw, enzyme-rich foods for 30 days."

This film is basically the opposite of the popular film Super Size Me by Morgan Spurlock.

I found the film to be very inspiring and educational. Highly recommended.
~ Michelle

http://rawfoodhealthwatch.com/

Raw Food Toxins - Rotate Those Greens

2010-09-26T07:30:00.001-07:00

This green smoothie article hints at rotating greens but doesn't really explain why...

You see, all greens have a toxin. But not to panic, it's a small amount, and this amount will boost your immune system. However, a build up of the same toxin for several months, by eating the same green over and over can result in a toxic buildup and some adverse affects.

In nature these toxins exist to keep a particular green from becoming extinct. When an animal is munching on a green, it has the sense to move on and eat a different green, leaving the previous one to regrow.

I don't know the names of the toxins in each green, and frankly I don't care. The only thing that I need to know is that I should rotate my greens when making green smoothies daily (or salads or whatever.)

A big part of getting involved in rawism for some, is to consume green smoothies, so this one precaution is an important one I feel. What I do is make certain I don't buy the same green on back to back shopping trips... or sometimes for 2-3 shopping trips in a row. This gives my families bodies a chance to deal with the toxin accumulated from the previous green I was using before I start building it up again.

I think it's a good idea to rotate foods anyway.. I also rotate the fruits in my smoothies, just so I saturate my body (and tastebuds) with different nutrition (and flavors). I also rotate growers, grocery stores, etc. just to be sure I'm not accumulating in my body whatever else is in my food because you just never know.

What happens when toxins buildup in our bodies? Some have reported nerve issues, like tingling and numbness. I'm not 100% sure what happens with each one, but again, all I really need to take away from this is to rotate my greens for my green smoothies...

...and the procedure you follow to rotate your greens is up to you... just keep it simple and don't stress over it.. it could be a fun way to find new favorites. Enjoy :)

Mediterranean Goes Raw

2010-09-21T12:55:00.001-07:00

I came across this site by Flora Papadopoulou and thought I would share it with you: Mediterranean Goes Raw

Before starting on a raw diet, Flora suffered from headaches, being overweight, a lack of energy and stamina, hair loss, gingivitis, periodontitis, irrational fears, poor digestion and depression... among other things.

After going raw for just 2 weeks she started to feel positive changes and in her 5th month she noticed a lot more significant changes in her life.

You can read her whole story HERE.

Flora is an official trainer, chef and advisor for Greece for the Alissa Cohen "Living on Live Food" American Culinary School and conducts seminars to assist people in getting the Alissa Cohen 1st Chef Certification and the 2nd Instructor Certification.

She has a recipe section on her site and a nice little photo gallery of people enjoying raw foods. Check her site out :)

http://www.mediterraneangoesraw.com

You're Not A Vegan... Yes I Am But I Eat Honey

2010-09-13T19:35:00.001-07:00

A thread that started with an article on agave syrup and whether it is a healthy choice for a sweetener has turned into a hot debate about honey and those who consume it. Some argue that you cannot call yourself a vegan if you consume honey. Others say you should use the label honey-tarian, others say beegan, while others prefer the label vegetarian. Labels, schmabels. I eat raw honey and bee pollen and I don't feel horrible about it.. and I call myself high raw, mostly vegan if anyone asks but who really cares? My eatng habits change and I guess my labels do as well.

The thread started in July of 2009 and as of today (September 13 2010) is still rocking.

Give your piece: http://goneraw.com/forum/interesting-article-about-agave-syrup-not-healthy-product-you-may-think-it

I liked this bit: http://goneraw.com/forum/interesting-article-about-agave-syrup-not-healthy-product-you-may-think-it?page=1#comment-140285

"What is a vegan? Why is it okay for vegans to consume substances that are the product of a plants survival (seeds, fruits, fibers, etc)? Plants are living, breathing creatures, aren't they? Why, if we actually eat the plants, is it not okay to eat substances created by the bees? The survival of the human species requires consumption of living plants. For the sake of argument or explanation... Venus fly traps are classified as plants but can feel, breathe and react. Not that we eat the venus fly trap, but what is the difference? Does my lettuce feel, breathe, and react? What about an apple tree? When you pluck an apple does it hurt the tree? When you cut a flower does it sting the plant? Why do vegans extend amnesty only towards those creatures who react emotionally when slaughtered? Most animals react the way a human would when faced with death. I just don't see honey or bee pollen as a non-vegan delicacy. The bees 'steal' from the plants, we 'steal' from the bees. I guess I'm just not a vegan."

And this: http://goneraw.com/forum/interesting-article-about-agave-syrup-not-healthy-product-you-may-think-it?page=1#comment-140296

"I love when vegans get feisty! I completely understand what a vegan is, that isn't the question. It isn't rocket science, its just another 'holier-than-thou' religion. I'm a raw vegan who occasionally eats honey and bee pollen. I inadvertantly eat insect eggs that grow on my greens and bugs I swallow when I ride my bike. Oh no! I guess I'll change my label to 'accidental carnivore'. We all understand what a vegan is. I will proudly play devil's advocate. Yes, and why is it more ethical to raise plants for food? Because they don't look sad when going to the slaughter. I am not denying that a raw plant based diet is the optimal way to eat. I guess its more of a philosophical question."

Brian James Lucas aka Chef BeLive

2010-09-11T10:41:00.001-07:00

"Brian James Lucas has raised the art of gourmet raw culinary cuisine to an unanticipated level. His sacred and potent organic palate pleasers provide gustatory delight while infusing those who partake with the most bioavailable nutrients on the planet. Brian is about fusion - the best living organic foods offered at the highest vibrational frequencies in a manner that considers human and heart appeal. His rare and never before experienced combination of heavenly and earthly delights deserve profound respect and attention. Be Well. BeLive." Visit: Chef BeLive Light

Food & Gourmet Directory

2010-09-10T19:07:00.001-07:00

A genuine directory consisting of companies listings dealing in all sorts of healthy and delicious, mouth watering food & gourmet products, also containing listings of fresh food wholesale suppliers dealing in fresh baked, health, diet, ethnic, condiments, confectionery, gourmet, snacks, sea food and much more.

Food directory also provides you the facility to search for fresh baked goods, cheese food, dairy products, fresh meat, all organic food, pasta, smoked food, online food stores, raw food and more.

We are listed under the Vegetarian Raw Food category.

Raw Food Dogs' Supplement Guide - How to Supplement Dogs

2010-09-09T19:39:00.001-07:00

Supplementing dogs fed on a commercial dog diet is something that is commonly done. But what about on dogs that are on a raw food diet? Do they need supplements and how do you go about doing that?

As more and more people join the ranks of dog lovers worldwide, the pet industry responds by offering an even wider variety of products that cater to dogs. These products can range from chew toys, clothes, life jackets, and just about anything a dog could ever want or need. One such product that is widely available and quite popular these days is dog supplements.

Dog supplements can come in several forms: chewable tablets, powders, and liquids. There are two types of these supplements: natural/herbal, and commercial. These supplements benefit your dog by making sure your dog receives the proper vitamins and minerals it needs in order to maintain healthy organs and good body systems.

Most popular supplements try to address what your dogs are not getting in a typical commercial dog food diet, and this is what can make dog supplements integral to your dog's diet. Some supplements even have preventive components, making sure your dogs stay disease free. One such supplement is Selenium, which kills the free radicals in your dog's system, therefore assuring you that your dog will not get cancer.

However, there is a downside to supplements. Most supplements that are available are made of synthetic vitamins. And because of that, they make the kidneys work harder.

Vitamins from whole foods are also much better than synthetic vitamins because they contain all the necessary components that make the vitamin produce the intended benefits in the body. In the natural environment, vitamins don't come in single isolated forms. They usually exist with a host of other enzymes and active components.

Dogs on a raw food diet need not worry about supplements. In fact, one of the beauties of this diet is that dogs receive all the nutrients they need, naturally, from the food they eat. This means, if you serve your dog the right amount of natural raw dog food, at the right proportions that their body and stage of development needs, then there shouldn't be a need for you to supplement.

Some dog owners who have their dogs on a raw food diet still give natural or herbal supplements from time to time. This is okay, but not necessary.

To learn more about the raw dog food diet, check out "Going RAWr! Dog Lovers Compendium". This book gives step by step instructions on how to properly implement the raw dog food diet, so you give your dog exactly the food he needs at the right portions. No need to supplement! Find out more from the website below:

http://rawfoodhealthwatch.com/go/goingrawr.php

70 Green Smoothie Recipes

2010-09-08T09:53:00.001-07:00

In short, green smoothies are fruit smoothies with greens blended in! May not sound appealing to some but they taste amazing, you'd be surprised. Well, not all of them do.. some will have to grow on you but a lot really do. They are highly nutritious, highly assimilated and highly hydrating. Some say that green smoothies have EVERYTHING your body needs, perhaps short of Vitamin D and B12. Check out this green smoothies article for the run through of getting started on them, then check out these 70 recipes (you are bound to find a bunch you enjoy): http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/showthread.php?t=54452

The Nutritional Value of a Raw Dog Food Diet

2010-09-04T10:35:00.001-07:00

To ensure the best nutrition for your dog, put him on a raw dog food diet. In this diet, food is fed in its natural state, allowing it to provide the correct nutrients your dog needs. It is a great diet for growing dogs (puppies) and dogs that need to maintain good health (adult dogs, pregnant dogs, older dogs, dogs with diseases.) When fed in proper portions, raw food will give your dog the best diet it could possibly have. This means it will be healthier for longer. See the best raw dog food choices.

A raw dog food diet which contains the proper nutrients for your dog should be comprised of raw meats, raw meaty bones, vegetables, and fruit. Raw meats provide protein, which is important for a dog's health and immune system. Raw meaty bones, on the other hand, provide calcium and phosphorous, which growing dogs need to help their bones develop and pregnant dogs need in order to help their developing pups build strong bones.

The nutrients and vitamins your dog derives from vegetables include Vitamins A, B, C, and K. These vitamins help your dog's sensory organs - eye sight is one example. Apart from this, however, a raw dog food diet which contains vegetables helps your dog's digestion by providing it with lots of fiber.

Fiber helps clean out your dog's system by ensuring regular bowel movements. This is good because toxins are flushed out of your dog's body regularly, and it also prepares your dog's system for optimal digestion of the future foods it will ingest.

Two other foods that you should include in your raw dog food diet are fruit and liver. Fruit pumps your dog with lots of vitamin C which will help keep their immune system up. They also contain anti-oxidants, which will help your dog fight off free radicals which can cause cancer and aging. Berries are particularly good sources of anti-oxidants.

Liver, on the other hand, gives your dog essential nutrients like iron, omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, and vitamin B12, all of which your dog needs to maintain its strength, and keep it's body lean.

The raw dog food diet provides your dog with all the vitamins and minerals it needs at each stage of life. In fact, when fed in the right proportions, you won't need to give your dogs vitamin supplements.

But how do you determine how much of each type of food to feed your dog? How can you tell if your dog is indeed getting all the nutrients it needs? Are there signs that can confirm if your dog is thriving on a raw food diet?

This is the subject matter of the new book by Maggie Rhines called "Going RAWR! Dog Lovers Compendium". Find a complete list of the vitamins and minerals your dog needs, and learn how to spot deficiencies. This book also discusses the dog food pyramid, and tells you how much of each type of food to meet the various needs of growing and grown puppies, as well as big dogs and small dogs alike.

Read more about this book by clicking on this link, which will bring you to the book's website:

http://rawfoodhealthwatch.com/go/goingrawr.php

Best Blender?

2010-09-02T21:28:00.001-07:00

There's been long debate amongst raw foodists for what the best blender is. Usually pairing off is the top Vitamix and the top Blendtec. After Blendtec came out with the Blendtec HP3A more and more people are making it the top choice.

What do people want in a blender for raw food? It'll vary but I suspect a lot of people will want something that is easy to clean, carries a lot of food, blends smooth without the need for packing or shaking, large caraffe, less oxidation (and cooler end result).

The HP3A has that and more. The biggest feature that is getting people excited is the large BPA free 3 quart carafe and the larger 4 inch blade. This setup results in less oxidized, non heated food almost every single time compared to other high speed blenders.

It's the blender in my kitchen. What do you use? What's your top pick?

Raw Food Almond Dream Bar Recipe

2010-08-26T18:12:00.001-07:00

Check out the ingredients and directions for this raw organic food bar.

Buying Raw Food for Dogs

2010-08-23T21:22:00.001-07:00

Dogs on a raw food diet are naturally healthier, happier, and more energetic. They will face less health problems both in their present state and in the long run when compared to their kibble fed (or other dog diets) counterparts. However, buying raw food for dogs can be a challenge to some dog owners since there are several considerations to keep in mind.
First, when buying raw food for dogs, make sure the food is human grade food or fit for human consumption. This means it is the highest quality raw food available. Making sure that everything is fresh and safe to eat is one of the keys to success when following the raw food feeding model and assures you are getting the best raw dog food for your pets.
Next, make sure you buy organic fruits and vegetables. Organic fruits and vegetables are grown without pesticides or insecticides or any growth enhancers. This means the produce is all natural and good for your dog.
Fruits and vegetables which are not grown the organic way is not ideal because the traces of pesticides and chemicals used on non-organically raised produce can be ingested by your dog and lead to health problems. Even if you wash the fruit and vegetables, pesticides and chemicals are not completely removed from the product.
Be sure you purchase your meat from a reliable butcher who takes his product from a farm which does not use growth stimulants for their livestock. Like fruits and vegetables that are not grown in an organic manner, meats with growth stimulants is not an ideal raw food for dogs. These stimulants can give your dog health problems or create unnatural growth in your dog.
When buying raw food for dogs, be sure to shop in the right quantities, which is how much you can store giving your freezer or refrigerator space. Keep in mind that different foods have varying shelf lives. Fresh vegetables lasts about a week and frozen meats lasts three to six months in the freezer, depending on the kind of meat.
If you would like to store vegetables for longer periods of time, you can create a vegetable slosh in bulk and freeze it in the portions that you will be feeding your dog. When feeding puppies, keep in mind that they will need a higher
percentage of protein in their diet compared to fully grown dogs because they're at a critical growth stage. Puppies will eat about four times a day in their first three months. Afterwards you can switch to fewer feedings.
Older or fully grown dogs will eat less often than puppies, but if they are very active, they will need more feedings or a higher percentage of protein as well. It is important to keep details like these in mind when buying raw food for dogs so that you know how much of each kind of food to buy.
For more details like these, a good place to get more information is from the ebook 'Going Rawr! Dog Lovers Compendium.' Its author, Maggie Rhines, shows you exactly how to choose raw food for dogs, as well as proper methods of storage and preparation.
It's great for people who are just starting out their dogs on this diet and who would like to know more about how to implement it and how to avoid food contamination. You can check out the book's website by clicking on this link for more information:

http://rawfoodhealthwatch.com/go/goingrawr.php

Top Raw Kitchen Appliances

2010-08-23T14:04:00.001-07:00

In a raw food kitchen you will find much smaller appliances than you would typically see in a "regular" kitchen. Lots of raw foodists actually get rid of the stove completely or put a board across the top for extra counter space.

So what's in a raw kitchen? I usually see at least a blender, a food processor and perhaps a spiral slicer (for raw pastas for example), a dehydrator and sometimes a juicer.

The top pick dehydrator for raw foodists I'd say would be the Excalibur 3900 Deluxe. It is a pro-grade system made for use at home. It has a square shape, an adjustable thermostat, and a rear mounted heating unit. This allows for even drying. It uses a proprietary horizontal air flow system called the Turbo Charge Parallexx® Drying System. It has a 600 watt motor as well. It can be used by raw food eaters to create gourmet meals that require a square or rectangle shape, such as raw breads and cracker.

For blenders, I often see the Tribest Personal Blender PB200 used to grind seeds and nuts or for single serving use. But the main blender I see would be one from the line of Blendtec blenders. Blendtec-TB-621-BHM is a popular one. It comes with a 3 year warranty and the blade has a lifetime warranty. The machine cleans very easily which people tend to like.

The Joyce Chen Saladacco Spiral Slicer is a tool a lot of raw foodists seem to have. With it you can cut vegetables into paper-thin slices, julienne strips, half rounds, and spaghetti-like strands. It also makes it easy for you to slice harder vegetables, like sweet potatoes, and parsnips.

Vita mix have great blenders especially for professional use or very frequent home use.

What's in your raw kitchen?

Is Kale Really All That?

2010-08-21T22:16:00.001-07:00

Kale, a member of the dark green leafy vegetable family, more specifically the Brassica family, is suggested to be one of the most, if not the most, nutritious green when consumed in it's raw state. Kale is a great source of the B-vitamin folic acid, vitamin K, beta carotene, carotenoids (such as zeaxanthin and lutein), calcium, magnesium and other valuable nutrients.

Kale is said to: be a protective against ovarian cancer, optimize your cells' detoxification, contain carotenoids that lower cataract risk, promote lung health, among many other health benefits.

If you enjoy the taste or want to give it a try, I found a great video recipe for kale and tahini salad, which can be found here. The link brings you to a free series of raw video recipes and the kale and tahini salad recipe shows up in your inbox on day two I think it was.

Kale is slightly bitter in taste and not enjoyed by everyone in salads so preparing kale chips or adding kale to green smoothies has become popular amongst raw foodists and other natural health advocates.

Growing Sprouts

2010-08-20T20:27:00.001-07:00

Seed and bean sprouts are true living foods... they are still "alive" while being eaten. It has been suggested that sprouts are superior to most other foods because plants are nutritionally at their strongest during the sprouting stage. They require a huge nutrient surge to "break free" from the pod and begin to grow. And because they are raw the enzyme level is pretty high as well.

It doesn't take long for a raw foodist to start hunting down information to learn how to grow sprouts. Sprouts can be eaten by themselves, added to salads, added to green smoothies, put on sandwiches, added to soups and many other recipes.

To start growing sprouts you must first soak the seeds or beans. At this stage enzymes are active and in some cases the food has turned from acidic to alkaline. Given the right amount of moisture a seed will begin germination. Rinsing seeds at regular intervals will keep their thirst quenched. Between rinsing and draining is when they grow.

Check out these free video recipes, the first one for kelp noodles uses mung bean sprouts as one of the main ingredients

Green Smoothies For Weight Loss Or Weight Gain

2010-08-19T14:34:00.001-07:00

Green smoothies are simply fruit smoothies with greens mixed in. The result doesn't have to be "green" in color, just the addition of greens makes them a "green smoothie".

It has been noted in the past that mixing fruits and vegetables (cooked or otherwise) is not healthy. It is considered a "food combining nightmare" by some. It causes fermentation which can lead to other issues. So, why is it OK to mix greens with fruits in a green smoothie?

In testing, greens, when mixed with fruit, do not cause the fermentation issues as regular vegetables. Some people are now putting greens in their own food caegory. Although greens are essentially dark green leafy vegetables, they are put in their own grouping outside of vegetables, as simply "greens".

Mixing 60-70% fruit with the rest greens and some water to your green smoothie recipe, makes for a delicious and healthy snack, treat, drink or meal. Consuming green smoothies can help regulate weight in some people. Lots of overweight people who have added one green smoothie a day to their diet, without any other changes, have achieved weight loss.

Adding some nutrient dense food, like figs, can actually result in the opposite, and can assist in healthy weight gain.

Cartoons With A Positive Message?

2010-08-18T21:53:00.001-07:00

I was watching Dora The Explorer with my 2 year old daughter the other day. She always asks that we put that show on for her so when I was watching her the other day I caved and put it on. I don't hate the show, in fact there are some decent messages in there, and it also teaches a bit of Spanish but this particular episode is about saving a stuck ice cream truck. Not a really big deal because all my daughter knows about ice cream is the raw banana ice cream we've made her in the past.. but still.. I would prefer she watches cartoons and TV shows with a better message about food. (On a side note, I'd also rather she didn't play with toys such as fake pizzas, ice cream cones, french fries, etc. but I choose my battles and leave that one be.)

Anyway, as we were watching that Dora episode I was thinking that it'd be nice if there were cartoons, with like I said, a better message about food.. healthier food choices, that's the education I want for my daughter if she MUST watch TV, especially when she watches it over and over.. and as I was watching, I also wondered if there was a market for that.. I thought it would be great to have books, TV shows and cartoons that hinted on, or discussed, or mentioned, or even flat out explained to children about toxins, organic food, raw food and the like...

Then I got an email the very next day about this cartoon!

RawMan and GreenGirl Meet FrankenFood

The cartoon touches on the importance of raw organic food in the human diet.

It loosely discusses the food crisis with Monsanto and genetically modified foods. Perhaps you've heard about it? Monsanto I believe has patents on seeds and is getting farmers to use them (one way or another) and the seeds can only be used one time and a new lot has to be re-purchased. It is also suggested that these GMO foods grown from the seeds may result in (or already has resulted in) sickness and/or disease. I can't be certain if there is any truth to this.. but you can find a documentary on the whole thing.. check Google for "monsanto torrent" and I'm pretty sure you'll find the program.

Raw Dog Food Recipe

2010-08-17T20:19:00.001-07:00

The Dailymotion video below goes through a recipe for raw dog food. Below the video I have laid out the recipe for your convenience.

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xdtn4y_raw-dog-food-recipes_animals

Preparing raw dog food is similar to preparing yourself a raw meal. Be sure when choosing this path, to give your dog variety, as there are lots of raw dog food diet recipes to choose from.

When following a raw dog food recipe be sure the ingredients are as fresh as possible to avoid bacteria, mould, etc.

Below is a 5 minute raw recipe that is easy to follow...

The ingredients include: 5 skin-on and bone-in chicken wings, 1/2 cup grated carrots, 1/2 cup cottage cheese.

Now, mix the cottage cheese and carrots together, place the wings in a bowl and tip it with the cottage cheese/carrot mixture.

Keep in mind that too much cottage cheese, being that it has cows milk, can cause digestive issues, so use this recipe only on occasion.

Check out this post to find out how you can get more information on serving sizes and ingredients that are dependent on your dogs size and current health status.

Weaning Your Puppies

2010-08-15T14:00:00.001-07:00

It's not just humans that are seeing benefit from a raw food diet. Pet owners are finding that their animals are becoming healthier and more energetic after the switch as well.

According to the YouTube video above (which doesn't support vegan diet, includes raw meat as well)...

Transitioning to a raw dog food diet should occur slowly to allow your pets to develop a taste for the raw food.

If your are switching a young dog over, and the puppy has not started eating solids at this stage then the switch should be a lot simpler.

The video suggest starting the puppy off with natural milk such as goats milk. Once the puppy begins on solids then mashed vegetables can be introduced. After that finely ground meat can be fed to the puppy.

Growing Population Of Raw Diners

2010-08-14T22:21:00.001-07:00

As the raw and living food diet continues to become popular and seen with the respect it deserves as more and more people are witnessing positive health changes, a growing number of raw food restaurants emerge. Typically, adopting a raw food diet can limit one to merely have snacks or eat salads while away from home, since most restaurants serve primarily cooked meals. But, in order to meet the demand of a growing population of raw foodists, raw food restaurants are opening up worldwide, and many of them serve high end raw food cuisine.

Raw food restaurants are popping up in places like Toronto, London, Los Angeles and many more hot locations. In Toronto Ontario you have places like: Live Organic Food Bar, Rawlicious and Raw Aura. In London you can find Inspiral Lounge, Ottolenghi, Raw, Saf and VitaOrganic. In LA you can check out spots like CRU Cafe and the raw friendly Elderberries.

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70 Green Smoothie Recipes

The Nutritional Value of a Raw Dog Food Diet

Best Blender?

Raw Food Almond Dream Bar Recipe

Buying Raw Food for Dogs

Top Raw Kitchen Appliances

Is Kale Really All That?

Growing Sprouts

Green Smoothies For Weight Loss Or Weight Gain

Cartoons With A Positive Message?

Raw Dog Food Recipe

Weaning Your Puppies

Growing Population Of Raw Diners

Monkey Mike's Raw Food Kitchen!
The First Ever Un-Cookbook for Kids!