Raw Food Talk - Blogs http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/blog.php Raw Food Talk - Alissa Cohen en Wed, 07 Jan 2009 09:15:59 GMT vBulletin 60 http://rawfoodtalk.com/images/misc/rss.jpg Raw Food Talk - Blogs http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/blog.php this http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/blog.php?b=13199 Wed, 07 Jan 2009 08:52:15 GMT my plan for optimum health because optimum health is part of achieving an optimum experience of life.

-eat raw as much as possible. and don't fall into an all or nothing approach. if i happen to not eat raw, make it something decent like brown rice, beans, cooked veggies, tofu, etc. not pizza, white bread, ice cream, or fried food, etc.

-really delve deeper into yoga and meditation. remember to practice it daily, preferably early in he day. this really tunes me into my body.

-get enough protein/fats/greens first then sugary things like fruit. my body works best like this.

-keep fridge at home brimming with raw goodness: romaine, spinach, sunflower seeds, flax, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, olive oil, tahini, raw nuts, carrots, tomatoes, avocados, frozen berries, cocoa, spices, sweet potato, grapefruit, lemon, coconut, etc. keep some decadent healthy treats on hand so i dont feel deprived and binge. good options are lara bars or raw nut butter.

-eat more slowly. chew food fully. only eat when truly hungry. stop when satisfied. don't fall prey to gluttony. eat until you feel neutral and pleasant, not uncomfortable.

-don't obsess, dont count calories, indugle healthfully. a true indulgence is high quality and nutritious. ]]> samariah http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/blog.php?b=13199 Days 5 and 6, a big blur http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/blog.php?b=13198 Wed, 07 Jan 2009 03:19:36 GMT Well, I stayed raw, which wasn't all that hard, considering I was so sick I couldn't really eat much. I slept last night from 12-2, then was in a lot of pain, managed to fall asleep again until 4:00 and finally went and slept in the spare bed, I was writhing in agony, really. Got up at 6:00 finally, and sat on the couch for a while. Then did chores and filled the wood stove. I felt fine at that time.

Immediately after coming in from chores, felt the spasms, or whatever, in my back, all along the spine. Radiating out at the base of the spine on either end. Just shooting, awful pain. Then ended up with a headache. I had eaten a small "sandwich" of raw pizza bread with half an avo and some tomatoes. Then, drank a lot of water and couldn't eat because I was sick.

Finally around noon or so I was able to get up long enough to juice some carrots and get that down. Then it hit really hard again. V gave me a back rub, but then had to go get firewood, so it was just Bridger and I here. I made Bridger do his school work in the bedroom with me while I laid on the bed trying not to cry, and not succeeding always at that. Then I finally threw up a few times in the bucket beside the bed. I didn't have much in me (sorry for the gory details) and I seriously wondered if a person could die from puking. Or dry heaves, as it was. This is horrible. I haven't hurt so bad since giving birth to Bridger. I am normally not one with a queasy stomach or that gets sick easily.

I hope this is the worst of the detox and I've turned the corner. Towards evening made a green smoothie, and got half way through it and the pain started up again, so I right away got a bath going and that helped, soaking for over an hour. Then got out, finished my green smoothie, and here I am....hoping I have a restful night, or even if not, that this pain doesn't accelerate. I feel it a little bit right now. Feels like I'm on a stretching wrack or some kind of torture devide, where someone's trying to tear me from limb to limb. :eek: The headache is still here as well, but right now not enough to make me nauseous.

So, still hanging in there. I made the boys some basmati rice, and it smelled so fragrant I wanted to eat some. But I do have a batch of onion bread in the dehydrator which smells every bit as good, so I can hold out for that I know.

This experience has given me a glimpse at what dad was probably going through with the cancer, (how I learned about raw in the first place

I'll be praying for the healing to come. Good night.:) ]]> TanjaJo http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/blog.php?b=13198 Jan 6 http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/blog.php?b=13197 Wed, 07 Jan 2009 02:01:41 GMT Things have been going good in the raw department. Making yummy juices, then making homemade granola or crackers (depending on the juice... Things have been going good in the raw department. Making yummy juices, then making homemade granola or crackers (depending on the juice ingredients) with the pulp. Looks weird but they have all come out good.

Have been trying to get in the mind set of raw health. Have told myself not to eat SAD. Trying some of the good affirmations to self that so many here advocate, Starfire, Aleesha, Revell, RawStrength and so many others. So....I deserve to eat healthy foods. I deserve good health that comes with raw. I deserve a body that is not broken down with dis-ease. ]]> gritsnla http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/blog.php?b=13197 Clear out, move on. http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/blog.php?b=13196 Tue, 06 Jan 2009 21:33:50 GMT Greetings cyber raw people! What in inspiration you all are and how great it is to know you are out there. I am a little lady looking to get out... Greetings cyber raw people! What in inspiration you all are and how great it is to know you are out there.

I am a little lady looking to get out of the rut I've landed myself in, ready for a spectacular life of action. Emotional binge eating has been my constant companion for about four years now and my body, mind, and spirit has had enough! My days have been gray blurrs of boredom, severe depression, anxiety and poor choices; made worse by a current candida overload. grrr candida..stand back you smug fungus!! It feels like my life hasn't even started yet since I've held myself back for so long. I look forward to reading everyone's blog and sharing any support I can offer to anyone as I clear away this thick fog surrounding me.
Thank you. ]]> my*coco http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/blog.php?b=13196 Sharing the juice http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/blog.php?b=13195 Tue, 06 Jan 2009 20:44:05 GMT Few days ago at work, 1 of my young co-workers (about 25 yrs old) mentioned that he wanted to go on the "orange juice diet". Now I had heard of the cabbage soup diet, and the grapefruit diet, but wasn't really sure what he meant by "the orange juice diet"...well come to find out, he wanted to figure out a way to have fresh raw OJ everyday. He just moved here and didn't bring much with him, so he has no juicer or blender....actually if anything didn't fit in his backpack then he didn't bring it.
So anyways during our talk last night, I told him that I had a juicer and made all kinds of different fresh juice. He got all excited and started dreaming up combinations of food to put into it. He then told me about a past sports accident & along with his trip to Peru...that both helped turn him away from modern medicine.

I told him that I would make some fresh juice the next day and bring it into work for him. Luckily it takes me 5 minutes to walk to work so I will make the juice just before going out the door. I had planned on using tomatoes, oranges, cucumber & apples for juice.
He was so surprised that I actually brought it into work for him...he immediately started smacking his lips together after the first sip. By the time he finished it he was wishing he had a juicer so he could have that everyday. ]]> squawkers7 http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/blog.php?b=13195 How time flies ... http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/blog.php?b=13194 Tue, 06 Jan 2009 19:50:33 GMT when you're not raw! :( I did make my raw Thanksgiving dinner. And it came out wonderful. The most surprising part being the Alissa's mock turkey. I really only made it, to have all parts of a turkey dinner present, but I NEVER expected it to remotely taste like turkey! But those brazil nuts did the trick! My husband and I were both experiencing the lingering turkey taste in our mouths, plus it did taste really good!

My favorite part was the stuffing though, I experimented with it, and tried to make it taste like my old-time favorite stuffing. I had fun making it and it tasted delicious. Even more so the next day, when the flavors had time to mingle.

The most disappointing part was the pumpkin pie, but then I never even liked the cooked ones. My husband did eat the whole thing over the course of a few days, but I will never make the that crust again, it was the oat crust from the Thanksgiving thread.

Attached are a few pictures, they are making me hungry as I type this, lol.

But then I haven't eaten today. Today is my husband's and my first day commiting to 100% raw again! Yay! I woke up with a tummy ache though and decided not to eat until it is gone. Well, we cracked open a coconut for breakfast, and I had the water, that made my stomach feel better for a bit, but now I have aches and pains all over my abdomen it seems. And I'm getting hungry ...... so I'm not sure what I will be doing.

4:30 PM entry

Well, my tummy ache went away, and I made some veggie juice, and then ate a bit of coconut meat.

For dinner I prepared Russel James' Tomato & Macadamia Mozzarella Pasta. It was a good and satisfying meal, both my husband and I liked.
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]]> bellamausi http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/blog.php?b=13194 Want to release this anger... http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/blog.php?b=13193 Tue, 06 Jan 2009 19:29:30 GMT I am not going to share details, but this week some very negative things have happened that have affected my life and produced a bundle of new anger... I am not going to share details, but this week some very negative things have happened that have affected my life and produced a bundle of new anger in me...

I am angry with a friend who I also love very deeply, and though she has created this anger by doing something VERY morally and rationally wrong to me, I still do not want to accept this negative, harmful emotion into my life.

2009 is a year of Hope...


NOT ANGER!!!


I desire to release this anger... but since she has no remorse and on the opposite hand, has chosen to become "the victim" when she is far from the "injured" party... I am not sure how to proceed.

How do you forgive someone completely, when there is no request for forgiveness, but instead they choose to continue hurting you and continue pretending that they are the ones being hurt?

I am not good at this forgiveness stuff... :( ]]> Green_Woman http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/blog.php?b=13193 Day 3 of GS Fast/Feast http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/blog.php?b=13192 Tue, 06 Jan 2009 18:09:08 GMT Okay, I'm not giving up just yet. Yes, I did eat 6 or 7 Brazil Nuts but, that was it and I'm not going to let it determine that I broke my fast. I am still going with this. I am going to San Diego today for Dr's appt. (Sclerotherapy injection for my neck). I'm going with a friend and already told them I'm on a GS fast/feast so, I found a whole food store called Jimbo's that makes Smoothies down there and I'm set.

This morning My Symptoms are:

* Light-Headed and/or Dizzy
* Sugar Hangover type Foggyfeeling
* Ringing and Humming Ears
* Tired

Benefits:

* I think my Skin might look clearer but, that could be the Foggyness. lol!
* The whites of my eyes look a lil more clear I think....

This Morning I Had Warm Lemon water w/cayenne and 1 Tbls of Olive Oil.

I'm not hungry but, head wants to say I am. :rolleyes: Interesting, huh?

So, I"m going to drink lots of water today and stick to GS's and Fruit. But, I am decreasing the Fruit and having lower glycemic fruit.

Have a great Day! I'll let ya knw how I do.

UPDATE CONTINIUM:

Well, things started out well. Before I left I made an Awesome GS: Water, Spinach, Red Chard, Beet leaves, 1 Banana, 5 Strawberries, 1Date....yummm! But, after the Dr's appt. We went to Jimbo's Natural Market and walked through. That was probably a mistake because, we got Dried Organic Fruit (with no sugar added );) - that was good. Then I found Organic Veggie chips (just sea salt and non-hydronated canola oil) I tried a couple and yum ....OMG!. So, we filled a bag with em'. We went to the Deli and picked him out some food then I went to the Smoothie Bar and I Got a Fruit Smoothie and had her ADD Spinach. OMG! It was yummy. I think it had every berry in it, apple, pineapple, & banana. I also got a Green Drink. Never tried one. Looked like she put a whole head of celery in there, alot of spinach, parsley, and 3 large carrots. :o Hummmmmmm, those will take some getting used to. I also got a bowl of mixed fruit: strawberries, mangos, grapes, pineapples, pears. I drank all the smoothie and 1/2 the green drink and ate a few bites of the fruit.
But, on the way home I opened up the bag of veggie chips and just started munching away. Uh-oh! I ate at least a cup maybe 2 :o.
I got home and ate the rest of the fruit bowl, an apple, a handful of raisens, 6 Brazil nuts and a 1/2 grapefruit.So, hummmmmmm. Now what? Do I just brush myself off and continue or just be happy with my 2 1/2 days? ]]> Jenifae http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/blog.php?b=13192 Jan. 6th http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/blog.php?b=13191 Tue, 06 Jan 2009 17:10:01 GMT I started this challenge with SO MUCH DETERMINATION!! I am going to stay raw. This is my year. I feel it. There is just something in the way that... I started this challenge with SO MUCH DETERMINATION!! I am going to stay raw. This is my year. I feel it. There is just something in the way that I have felt about starting the year....and maintaining the 100% raw lifestyle. I have to do this for me. I have to do this for me!!!

Foods lately have been posted in the challenge thread. I have not cheated once. I feel great because of this!!

I am in love with GS's and coconut oil....and super fat burning juice!

Peace to all. ]]> tvillemom http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/blog.php?b=13191 Juicey Tuesday http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/blog.php?b=13190 Tue, 06 Jan 2009 16:27:22 GMT Well whatever I had during my fast (cold wise) is still hanging in there. I still have tons of mucus making it's way out but my nose is not stuffed up. Today I am feeling better with less fatigue/shortness of breath. Yesterday I added lemon to my water to try and break up this mess. Still no fever and vitals are good.

Yesterday I was albe to go to the petstore, Costco (for Dad's bread) and Caputo's (International type of market that is closer than the one in Schaumburg that has better prices). I found young coconuts for $1.59! (normally they are $2.00 if you can find them, then you have trouble finding a good one) so I bought 5, 1 pineapple and 1 bag of cranberries. Most of their other produce is sold by the pound much like Wholefood so I opted no to anything else (it is also non-organic). Overall a pretty good day.

Intake:
1 pint grapefruit juice (I used 3 large grapefruit and the rest was water)

1 pint celery/cucumber juice with sea salt (1 large head celery, 2 large cucumbers the rest was water)

Several bottles of water. I did not feel hungery yesterday so not too much juicing and my juicer is a pain the you know what to clean. Since I am sick I am trying to drink things as fresh as possible to get the best benefits from them. I did gain 1.5 pounds of weight back so that is good.


No plans for today - just going to rest and juice some more.

Hope everyone has a wonderful day!

Here is bandit waving hello and goodbye from her favorite place - a water bottle box from Costco! Doesnt take much to make her day;)

]]> MelissaO http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/blog.php?b=13190 Day 9 http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/blog.php?b=13189 Tue, 06 Jan 2009 11:20:48 GMT 6:00am
I'm a little flustered this morning that, at day 9 I have, not only not released any weight but I've also gained a pound. What the heck??? :confused: I'm not eating too many fats like nuts, oils or avocados especially in comparison to what I ate on SAD so that's not the problem. Urrgh.

I do feel good though. I have mild asthma and so far I haven't had any issues or needed my inhaler. The detox headaches are completely gone too.

This morning I woke up positively ready to meet the day when the alarm went off at 5:30. Lately I've been a little sluggish and hitting the snooze since I slept in so much over the holidays but today was a breeze. In fact, I even woke up earlier in the night (around 3ish, I think) to use the bathroom and probably could have just stayed up. I felt like I had had a full night's sleep at that point, though I'd actually gone to sleep around 10:30. I'm usually a FULL 8-hour a night kind of girl.

3:00pm
Today has been going great. No cravings to speak of -- with the exception of that other enchilada in the dehydrator -- and my mental clarity is through the roof.

I was reading some of the back posts here on the board and saw a LOT about oil pulling. I have to say, it sounds REALLY weird :) but since I've read so many good things about it I thought I'd give it a try either tonight before bed or tomorrow morning. Couldn't hurt, right!?!?!

It's funny that a couple of you mentioned exercising in conjunction with raw foods to help release weight easier. I was planning to start some light exercising today and your comments gave me the extra boost I needed to actually get down there and do it. In the past I've had some issues with over-exercising to the point of illness (insert exercise induced asthma here). This means that I need to be extremely conscious of just how much I'm exercising so as not to go down that path again. There was a time after I gave birth to my son when I was exercising 6+ hrs. a day and wouldn't put a single thing in my mouth without exercising afterwards, which was just not healthy. I'm going to post exactly how much I'm doing here everyday in order to keep myself accountable.


So far today:
nectarine
oat groats w/coconut oil, sea salt, cinnamon & agave
banana, blueberry & kale green smoothie
carrot, celery, cucumber, pear juice
salad - spinach, carrot, cucumber, bean sprouts, EVOO/ACV dressing
1/2 enchilada

Exercise today: 30 min. total
walked 1 mile (treadmill)
a few minutes on the rebounder
100 crunches (Ab Lounge) ]]> contessa20 http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/blog.php?b=13189 The ATE Ball http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/blog.php?b=13188 Tue, 06 Jan 2009 04:20:14 GMT Today was the sixth luncheon in a series of seven being put on by Bastyr University and Graham Kerr. The topic was about making lifestyle changes... Today was the sixth luncheon in a series of seven being put on by Bastyr University and Graham Kerr. The topic was about making lifestyle changes to avoid the need for pharmaceuticals. OR, how to avoid taking extensive drug cocktails for high cholesterol, high blood pressure, etc, etc. and all the other drugs needed to counteract the side effects of those drugs. The bottom line, not herbal medicine, not supplements, only proper nutrition through good food choices, adequate sleep, and exercise. What a surprise.

The speaker, a physiologist and teacher at Bastyr, stated that vitamin and mineral supplements were unnecessary. This was not well received by the audience of a dozen women, (probably all taking calcium). She backtracked a little, stating that supplements were not harmful, but should not be depended upon. Even though the nutrients in whole plant foods are better than supplements and there is no data proving supplements will increase health, she also takes calcium and Vit D as an insurance policy. I wanted to ask why this country tops the rest of the world in dairy consumption and calcium supplementation, yet we are also at the top of the charts for osteoporosis, but she had to leave to teach her next class. I didn’t really expect an answer I could agree with. I just wanted to throw that out there to see the look on everyone’s faces. Just as well I didn’t get the chance to say it. That might have been like asking Graham Kerr why he eats cooked food.

Graham Kerr was a breath of fresh air. He is 72 and has never taken a supplement in his life, not even Vit C. He talked about the web site he and Bastyr are trying to build. Seven Villages of Health. The topics at each of the seven luncheons are the same as the villages. As you go through the villages you will learn about each topic, portion control, exercise, plant based diet, etc. (Etc. as in I forget.) After you have gone through six villages you enter the last village, the City of Wellness. Next week’s meeting is about giving up unhealthy Indulgence and calculating the money and time you save. Then give that same amount to a charity that nourishes populations at risk. He calls it Outdulgence.

The food provided today seemed rather indulgent to me, but still healthy by S.A.D. standards (or lack of?). I dished up a huge plate of greens with some balsamic dressing and a slice of lemon, and then discreetly dumped a handful of sunflower and pumpkin seeds on it. If anyone noticed, they didn’t comment.

Graham Kerr shared this list of words with us at the last luncheon. No matter how we are trying to improve our health through diet, (in our case, through living foods) this sums it up nicely. He calls it….

THE ATE BALL

1. COMPASSIONATE - Run with those who are UN-FIT and help to make their life better.
2. EVALUATE - We became UN-FIT…Why?
3. INNOVATE - What do we do that’s…new?
4. EDUCATE - Do I really get it?
5. MOTIVATE - The daily Olympics of life!
6. FACILITATE - Who is doing what to…help?
7. CONSOLIDATE - How do we reinforce our choices?
8. CELEBRATE - Thank you (to those that helped.) Well done (to those who tried). ]]> RawKnitster http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/blog.php?b=13188 Day 2 of GS Fast/Feast http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/blog.php?b=13187 Tue, 06 Jan 2009 04:15:37 GMT Okay, I'm confused.
My friend that I'm doing this with says that the 80/10/10 diet is the best way and that it cures candida and hypoglycemia.
But, I'm not sure because, I am doing only GS's and fruit in between and I have headaches (okay maybe detoxing?) but, my stomach is bloated and I'm getting a Yeast Infection. :eek:
Not sure what to do. Does anyone know anything about this?
David Wolfe and Dr. Cousen's believe that the only cure is removal of all sugar including fruit. If anyone has any ideas or knowledge, please share with me.
I still want to eat nuts - I"m not hungry just craving.
But, I think I"m dehydrated so, I'm trying to drink more water...so, I'm warming the water and putting lemon in it.


Symptoms:

* My stomach hurts and is bloated - wondering if I'm getting candida back.

* Dull headache

* I was jumpy and itchy while trying to sleep last nite and that was accurate trying to sleep so, I was restless.

Benefits:

None Yet! SO, if I don't see any benefits by tomorrow I may break this and try something different. Again, if any of you have any suggestions for me I would so appreciate it.

Thanks!

Okay Today's Food:

Rising: Warm Lemon Water w/cayenne and 1 Tbls of Olive Oil

Breakfast: SFB w/Vitamineral green

Snack: 3 slices of pear and some cherries

Lunch: GS: Water, Beet leaves, Red Chard, 1 Banana, 5 frozen Strawberries, 1 date (yummy)

Snack: Bowl of Grapes

Edited to ADD IN:

I had a 1/2 Grapefruit and I caved in and had 6 Brazil Nuts.

I'm thinking I need to change this up and instead of allowing myself fruit maybe I should allow small amounts of seeds or nuts. I dunno. I'm just so upset to have gained rather then lost tonight. Maybe, it's water? ]]> Jenifae http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/blog.php?b=13187 Repeat smoothie for on the go... http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/blog.php?b=13186 Tue, 06 Jan 2009 01:05:56 GMT Hi everyone!!!

I went to Whole Foods today and got some Soft Kale!!! FINALLY, I found a different Kale!!! I'm gonna try it in a Smoothie tomorrow to see if the taste is different. Today I had a bunch to do, so I just made a Smoothie with Spinach and Banana to take on the go! I'm gonna keep going with the 70 List of Smoothies tomorrow.

The Produce Worker at Whole Foods said that I will not find any Dragon Fruit or Perisimmons because they are seasonal fruit and no one knew what "Black Cabbage" was... It's in one of the smoothies. I wonder if they meant "Red Cabbage"...:confused: ]]> ReneeH http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/blog.php?b=13186 First day back at work after 2 weeks off! http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/blog.php?b=13185 Tue, 06 Jan 2009 01:00:34 GMT I have been raw and working before. Just requires a little planning. Today I got the hungries around 3:00 pm and was without a backup plan. Some... I have been raw and working before. Just requires a little planning. Today I got the hungries around 3:00 pm and was without a backup plan. Some tea got me through it. And lots of water. Need to stock my drawer with some good stuff to get me through the afternoon.

Started out the day with a GS. Actually made a couple of bagged green smoothie kits last night containing romaine, celery, spinach, pineapple, green apple, sprig of mint and a squeeze of lemon. Pulled one out this morning, dumped it in the blender and viola...ready to go. They are easy anyway, but anything to shave time off the morning routine. With two darling little boys to clothe/feed/make lunches and hopefully out the the bus on time is always a feat in itself.

Mid morning was lemon water with cayenne and a pinch of agave.

Lunch was a chopped salad of carrots, celery, sprouts and a lemon/olive oil dressing. Couple of date/nut balls for snack.

Dinner was my new favorite, zucchini angel hair with marinara and some rawmesan courtesy of a wonderful recipe posted on RFT.

5 days raw! I have been thinking some about those who are challenged to keep on task with raw foods and work hard at it each day (I fall into this category), vs. those individuals where raw just is their way of eating/life. And I think about what amount of time it takes before this really becomes a way of life rather than this new thing one is trying. 21 days to make a habit? Months, a year?? Guess I'll just have to wait and see.

Definitely am enjoying the journey so far.
If I ever need a pick me up, the before & afters sure do the trick! Wowza, such amazing accomplishments.

Until tomorrow...
Peace & Light
Fern ]]> Fern http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/blog.php?b=13185