Since I loved her first book, Going Raw, I couldn’t wait to see what she had up her sleeve for the next book. I was not disappointed!
Judita Wignall is a commercial actress, print model and musician from Los Angeles who, like me, discovered the healing power of raw foods. Aside from our undisputed awesomeness (or should I say rawsomeness), Judita and I have some things in common! We both suffered health challenges and we both cleared them up with clean, raw foods. We are also both Holistic Health Coaches, on a mission to share the message that anyone can benefit from the healthy lifestyle that raw eating provides. And thanks to books like Raw and Simple, anyone can do it, quickly and easily. Oh, and no dehydrator required!
Raw and Simple offers an easy and informative approach to Raw Foodism. This isn’t just a collection of recipes. Raw and Simple starts with three chapters, chuck full of helpful information from Superfoods to Xenoestrogens to Detoxing and more. Her tips and techniques section will help you understand what equipment you will need, how long to soak your nuts, and even how to open a Young Thai Coconut. For quite some time, I refrained from making recipes that called for Young Thai Coconuts, because I was downright fearful of opening them. I finally bit the bullet and followed Judita’s detailed advice, made even easier with photos, and cracked open my first coconut like a boss.
My husband asked for seconds when I made the Heirloom Tomato Stacks on page 115. This dish was not only fun to put together, but incredibly delicious with flavors bursting from the cilantro pesto and sun dried tomato spreads. We also ate the leftover sun dried tomato spread on raw herb crackers and as a salad topping. Delicious!
As a busy Raw Foodist, I especially love this book because the recipes are easy and do not require hours of prep work. With over 100 original dishes to choose from, your taste buds never suffer from boredom. You will find recipes from smoothies and breakfast through dinner and desserts. In addition, Raw and Simple offers meal plans, shopping lists and other checklists that teach the readers how to really use the book to its full potential. Whether you are trying to transition to a Raw lifestyle or a seasoned veteran, you will love this book.
Some of the ridiculously good and good-for-you recipes include:
Maple-Dijon Brussels Sprouts
Thai Veggie Noodles
Root Vegetable Slaw
Cherry-Hemp Muesli
Watermelon-Fennel-Mint Chiller
Strawberry Spinach Salad with Sweet Balsamic Vinaigrette
Colorful Cabbage Salad
Cauliflower Couscous
Carrot-Ginger Coconut Soup
Orange-Cranberry-Apple Relish
Herbed Pecan Pate
Orange-Almond Truffles
Oatmeal Walnut Raisin Cookies
Apple Pie Smoothie
Winterland Salad
Cucumber Basil Soup
Creamy Kale Salad with Capers and Hazelnuts
Raw and Simple integrates a raw food platform with holistic health and wellness, thereby providing you with the necessary tools to make the switch and start feeling healthier and more energized immediately. Start slowly, make one delicious raw meal per day. You will love how you feel so much, you will be excited to incorporate more and more raw food dishes into your everyday life.
If you’re ready to start reaping the benefits of raw foods, go to myFACEBOOKpage and leave a comment telling me why! What intrigues you about Raw Foodism? Do you have a health issue you’d like to clear up? Do you need more energy? Share with me and you could win a FREE COPY of Raw and Simple! The winner will be announced on my Facebook page in one week.
Please enjoy one of my favorite recipes from Raw and Simple, the Superfood Seed Bars.
Again, no dehydrator necessary!
Superfood Seed Bar
“This nut–free, mineral–rich bar is just heavenly. It contains all my favorite superfoods held together with creamy tahini and coconut oil. Be careful you don’t overdo it: It is hard to stop with just one. High in protein, zinc, calcium, and essential fatty acids, this makes a great post–workout or anytime snack, and I love that it’s not too sweet. I use low–glycemic coconut nectar, but you can use yacon syrup, maple syrup, or agave if you can’t find it in your area.”
Makes 16 servings Prep time: 20 minutes
½ cup (118 ml) coconut nectar
1⁄₃ cup (80 g) raw tahini
1⁄₄ cup (59 ml) coconut oil, warmed to liquid
1 vanilla bean, scraped or pinch of vanilla powder
1 cup (140 g) pumpkin seeds
1 cup (30 g) (145 g) sunflower seeds
½ cup (75 g) goji berries
½ cup (80 g) shredded coconut
1⁄₄ cup (36 g) black sesame seeds
1⁄₄ cup (24 g) cacao nibs
1⁄₄ cup (24 g) hemp seeds
Pinch of salt
In a blender, process coconut nectar, tahini, coconut oil, and vanilla until smooth and set aside.
In a medium-size mixing bowl, combine remaining dry ingredients. Add in coconut nectar mixture and mix well using your hands. I recommend wearing gloves. It’ll be pretty sticky.
Take half of the mixture and place it in a food processor. Process until the mixture breaks down into very small pieces. Transfer it back to the mixing bowl and combine it with the remaining mixture using your hands.
Press the mixture into an 8 x 8 inch (20 x 20 cm) pan lined with parchment paper or plastic wrap and place in the freezer until firm, about thirty to sixty minutes.
Cut bars into desired pieces and store in the refrigerator or freezer if you like them chewier. This will keep for one to two months in the refrigerator or freezer.
I normally blog about how proper nutrition can change your life for the better, as it did mine. But today, I was inspired by a child to send a new message that is equally as important as a healthy diet. A message of selflessness, love and giving. All of which are also necessary for good health! Helping those less fortunate, whether it be animals or people, feels good, and when we feel good, we are less likely to put junk in our body, so in a sense, this fits right in with my usual message.
Enjoy this heartwarming story, and please share it. Perhaps it will inspire other children, and us adults too, to do the same for an occasion that calls for gifts. If we could all be like my friend’s daughter, little Kiara, and ask less for ourselves and give more, what a world this would be!
Little Kiara Triplett loves animals. She loves her pets at home…
…but she also loves the homeless pets at the local animal shelter, the Belmont County Animal Rescue League. She loves them so much, she did something unthinkable for most kids. She gave up her birthday presents. For Kiara’s 7th birthday, she asked her friends and family members to bring donations for the shelter animals, rather than gifts for herself.
Kiara enjoyed a birthday party at the local bowling alley, where the “gift table” filled quickly as her guests arrived, but not with gifts. The table filled up with pet food, toys, treats and more.
Thanks to Kiara’s loving and giving nature, she was featured in her local newspaper!
Kiara proudly carried the loot into her home to look over the treasure before delivering it to the animal shelter. She knew that this pile could have been full of shiny and new presents for herself. But this amazing little girl preferred a pile of cozy beds, pet food and yummy treats for homeless pets because she knew it would make their time there a bit easier.
I am so moved by this child’s generosity, I want to give, too. Perhaps you have a child who gets a weekly allowance and is inspired by Kiara’s story. Well, they can give, too! I have created a fund in Kiara’s name so we can make her birthday even brighter with more donations to her favorite animal shelter.
All donations will go to the Belmont County Animal Shelter in Kiara’s name. Happy birthday, Kiara! Keep inspiring!
I hope this story inspires others to do the same. Most of us have everything we need. Try asking for donations to your favorite charity rather than gifts for yourself. As the old saying rings true, tis better to give than receive.
To Your Good Health AND Happiness,
Raw Rebecca
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Orthorexia nervosa, also known as Orthorexia, is a term (although not listed in the DSM) some practitioners use to characterize people who develop an obsession with avoiding food in which they perceive to be unhealthy.
Today, a fellow on Facebook blocked me because I told a friend it’s okay to occasionally enjoy some mushrooms (a fungi) after he told her she must “stay away” from them “if she wants to be healthy.” He also took offense when I subsequently listed the health benefits of raw apple cider vinegar. He went as far as to send me a private message, saying he wanted to “protect people from my ignorance,” because I am promoting “poisons.” Then he quickly blocked me before I could respond. I have to admit, I was a bit amused.
I have also received several negative comments after sharing recipes for various plant-based or raw/vegan desserts, due to their sugar, oil and fat content. I think it’s obvious that such things are treats, and should be eaten rarely. As such, I will continue to share these recipes.
Although I said I was amused, I was also worried. Worried for my friends who read the exchange, many of whom have recently embarked upon a healthy change in their diet and lifestyle. Restrictive “warnings” like this can easily make a person feel overwhelmed and sometimes, depending upon the warning, instill an unnecessary fear.
If you make a healthy meal, and happily share your progress, only to be picked apart for what’s “wrong” with it, you may feel frustrated and think, “To hell with it all, I’m going to McDonalds!” Don’t let someone sway you back to this stage…
I personally know people who have done that very thing. So please, please, please do not let overly-restrictive people like this sway you from your baby steps to good health, which is how I recommend doing it. Do not try to be perfect, especially in the beginning. Let yourself evolve slowly and see where this journey takes you. In the beginning, had you told me I’d end up a (mostly Raw) Vegan, I would have probably laughed. But that’s how I evolved. It’s where my unique journey took me. Yep, a Raw Vegan who sometimes eats those deadly desserts and scary mushrooms, like the ones in this delicious veggie burger
Remember to celebrate your better choices, too, rather than get hung up on the rest. If you’re eating a mushroom burger as opposed to a cheeseburger, I’m going to praise that healthier choice, not lecture you for eating fungi. And get ready. You are going to hear a LOT of conflicting information, as nutrition is a fledgling science. You’ll hear from people who think it’s their way or the highway, and there is no room for anything else. It’s almost political. And just like real politics, it can make you crazy and want to turn off the tv (aka go back to the Standard American Diet). Just remember that every little step you take, is a step in the RIGHT direction. You’re never going to please everyone, so worry most about pleasing yourself.
Now, I am not here to judge people who eat ONLY healthful foods. If that works for you, then great! But please do not push it in an extreme manner onto others, especially those just starting out on their journey. If someone needs an extra apple in their Mean Green juice to make it more palatable for them, praise them for wanting to drink green juice at all, rather than lecturing them for adding too much sugar.
As for me, I eat a clean, plant-based and mostly Raw (anywhere from about 70-100% Raw) diet, so some may think I am an Orthorexic, but I do not abstain from meat, dairy and processed foods only because I deem it to be unhealthy. Yes, I know those foods will devastate and injure the inner linings of my arteries, but my reasons for not eating them go further than that. Quite simply, they make me feel like crap. Through my own experiments, I have come to the overwhelming conclusion that when I do eat animal-based foods and processed foods, I feel sick, depressed and tired. And if I eat too much cooked food, I feel weighed down. I also dislike how animal-based foods are often inhumane and harmful to the environment. Therefore, it would make sense for me personally to eat plant-based foods. For my husband and I, life truly is better Vegan!
But with this being said, I am still not perfect. Yes, I said it! I AM NOT PERFECT. For example, if I am home for Christmas in Ohio, I will most certainly eat one of my Mother’s famous sugar cookies. I only get them once every few years, and I therefore have no guilt in choosing between the beloved Angel, Star or Christmas tree cut-out and slowly savoring every bite. Even Dr. Esselstyn from Forks Over Knives (who is so restrictive, he refuses all oils) eats a piece of chocolate every New Year’s Eve. I think the problems lies in the extremes: eating a whole plate of those sugar cookies, or refusing to eat one at all, if you really want it. If you’re having one of “those” days, wherein you know that one cookie will lead to five or ten, then by all means, steer clear altogether. Otherwise, that one cookie will certainly not kill you, as long as you view it as a rare treat and move on, right back into your healthy plant-strong diet.
And I am aware that even vegan desserts often contain a good bit of oil, sugar and fat. Although I know that sugar and the like is not healthy for my body, and my mind, I still sometimes enjoy a Snicker-doodle cookie…
…or piece of cake from the Spiral Diner (a yummy Vegan eatery in DFW). I simply make it a rare occurrence and be sure to split the cake (their pieces are huge) with a friend, otherwise I will feel sick. It’s all about knowing our bodies and what we can take. We are all bio-individual.
And I also know that a vegan hot dog on a wheat bun is not exactly healthy for me. Fake “chicken” fajitas are not great, either. But I am still going to enjoy them when camping with my husband. It’s a tradition. A tradition far healthier than our past ones, which included fatty beef sausages on white buns with a side of mayonnaise-based potato salad and several (yes, several) smores for dessert. So if you’re making better choices than before, even if they’re not perfect, celebrate it!
Beer and wine are acidic and high in calories. But that knowledge isn’t going to stop me from enjoying the occasional adult beverage while tailgating with friends. Because you know what else I bring on camping trips and tailgating parties? Green juice! It doesn’t have to be all or nothing.
Overall, I believe in moderation, not perfection. I am not an orthorexic and never will be. And I am okay with that.
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Did you wake up on January 1, 2013 with a gung-ho attitude that quickly turned into a ho-hum attitude? Did you get a gym membership that hasn’t been used in weeks? Do your running shoes or yoga mats feel neglected? Do you have produce rotting in your fridge? If you answered yes to any of these questions, this blog is for you.
2 years, 2 months and 2 days ago, I woke up on January 1, 2011 with good intentions and a list of “Resolutions.” My weight had crept dangerously to 180 pounds (I am 5’5”, which means I was considered obese with a BMI of 30). So, naturally, the blaring words “LOSE WEIGHT,” graced the top of my Resolution List, as it did for thousands of others. And like thousands of others, I failed.
I did lose a little, I got down to 173 pounds. But overall, it just didn’t work, as Resolutions rarely do. Putting pressure on yourself often ends in failure. As does giving yourself an expiration date, i.e. “I must lose 20 pounds by June 1st.”
Although I had a bad start, 2011 was still my year and 2013 can still be yours. It doesn’t have to start on January 1st. How about today?
Nearly two months after I set that Resolution, I was sitting around, stuffing my face when I saw a photo of myself that made me realize I needed to get serious. I vowed that moment to get healthy and stay healthy for the rest of my life – no big start date, and no expiration date. Fast forward 2 years, and I am still keeping that promise to myself. I have never kept my weight off this long. And since starting this journey of eating clean and plant-strong, I have not suffered any illnesses. No colds, no flu, no bronchitis, not even one sniffle or sore throat. That is quite the perk for a once very sickly person.
For those who don’t know, here’s a bit of my background. In the past 10 years, I have sampled a plethora of popular programs and diets in my seemingly never-ending quest to lose the fat and get healthy. Calorie counting, Fitness apps, South Beach, The Zone, Adkins, etc. I also tried Weight Watchers 7 times (a mixture of meetings and doing it myself at home). I lost weight, then gained it back. I lost weight, then gained it back. I lost weight, then gained it back. Are you seeing a pattern yet?
Every diet program I ever tried ultimately failed. I finally realized why, and I’m happy to share my findings. It’s very simple. DIETS DO NOT WORK. Why? Because most diet programs are either too restrictive, or allow one to continue eating anti-foods, which are proven to be as addictive as street drugs. Anti-foods have high sugar and fat (the wrong kind of fat), artificial ingredients/sweeteners, preservatives, chemicals, and toxins. The perfect recipe for failure. And fail I did. Over and over again.
I did join Weight Watchers for my final attempt, as most of you already know. The program can indeed work, especially if you eat plant-strong and eliminate the anti-foods (including their brand-name frozen dinners) and ignore the recommendation to drink 3 glasses of cow milk per day (not healthy!). I proved this by making Lifetime Membership for the first time in my long history with Weight Watchers. As such, I do still recommend Weight Watchers for those who feel they need something to hold themselves accountable. But truth be told, all you really need is a reboot with real food, which will change your taste buds and set you up for success. After that, simple education and treating your body right is key.
And thus begins my recommendations for making 2013 YOUR YEAR.
1. Cleanse, Detox, Reboot
There is no better way to get started on your journey to good health than by detoxing. It offers a clean plate, so to speak. A fresh start. It changes your taste buds and gives you clarity. If you haven’t seen it yet (is there really anyone who hasn’t yet seen it?), watch “Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead.” You can watch it free of charge on Hulu! Click HERE. Joe Cross and Phil Staples, the stars of the film, inspired me to try juice fasting as a means to detox, which changed my life forever.
Cleansing and Rebooting has become very well-known, and there are numerous guided programs now offered. If you’re not sure which one to choose, here are a few I highly recommend.
New Earth out of Austin, Texas offers a variety of cleanses. I know the owners personally, and admire their vast knowledge on the subject, as well as their passion to heal people. I also recommend their delicious raw/vegan snacks! The Chipotle Chia crackers and Almond Inspiration are my favorites!
Click their logo to learn more about their cleanse programs…
Christy Morgan, The Blissful Chef, is not only an accomplished cookbook author, but also the brains behind “Wellness Reboot.” This online program offers great advice, recipes, workouts and more.
Here’s what Dr. Neal Barnard, President of the Physicians Committe for Responsible Medicine, had to say about this program: “Wellness Reboot has everything you need to change your life and reach your peak. You’ll get the facts about foods and health, with tips for making a diet transition easy, and absolutely fabulous menus and recipes, all infused with Christy’s irresistible energy. Chad brings you the smart way to work out, tailoring a program that will work for you, even if you’ve felt intimidated by old-fashioned exercise routines. As a doctor, I’ve long been a fan of Christy’s approach to health and nutrition, and I’m thrilled that Wellness Reboot lets people everywhere jump in to health.”
Click their logo to learn more about the Wellness Reboot…
Want a quickie cleanse? If you cannot afford a juicer, or you shudder at the thought of not chewing, but still wish to cleanse, do not despair. You can cleanse your body and detox by eating delicious food, too! My fellow wellness warrior, Chef Amber Shea, has created an eBook just for you!
Click on the photo below to check it out…
2. Eat More Plants, Become a Nutritarian
You’ve conquered a Cleanse, your taste buds have changed, and you’re ready to ditch the Standard American Diet altogether. It’s time to eat more plants! Blend them, juice them, eat them, I don’t care how you do it, just get more PLANTS in your body. Less packaged food, more fresh food. It’s quite simple!
I took baby steps with this part, and I recommend you do the same. Start by reading Dr. Joel Fuhrman‘s book, “Eat to Live.” Don’t like to read? You can get it on CD! Transform your daily commute into inspirational education. Soon, you will be eating like a “Nutritarian” and everything will change.
I also recommend learning about “Clean Eating,” via Tosca Reno and her book “The Eat Clean Diet Recharged.” Eliminating toxins, chemicals and artificial foods from your diet will offer clarity, energy and better health in general. You may find that you don’t get sick as much, or suffer from common headaches and the like.
After you start eating clean and adopt a Nutritarian lifestyle, you may find that animal-based foods don’t work well in your body, as I discovered for myself. My plant-based diet is delicious and filling, and I never feel deprived. Of course, I am a realist, and I know the whole world isn’t going to give up animal products. To my omnivore friends, I say this: Just try it. If you seriously decrease the animal foods and seriously increase the plant foods, you will feel lighter, clearer, and happier. And for many people, after they eliminate it altogether, they really shine. I am aware that we are all bioindividual, but I truly believe that a diet made of mostly, or entirely, plant foods will save our health and our planet.
Then give your kitchen a makeover. Slowly remove the anti-foods and fill the newly-empty gaps with plants. I started with green smoothies. They can be quite delicious, and even kids like them. Although a VitaMix is expensive compared to other blenders, once you use one, you’ll understand why.
The VitaMix blender was my first purchase in my journey to good health, and I knew it was worth the money after just 3 days of drinking the perfectly-blended green smoothies that came out of it. Why? Because I would have paid any amount of money to feel that good. I was already giving my doctors a disgusting sum of money to provide me with prescriptions that only cost me more money (and didn’t fix my problems). Why not spend it on something that could possibly get me off those medications? And that’s just what it did! I also make hummus, soups, dips and more in my VitaMix.
Worth. Every. Penny.
You can save money by purchasing a Refurbished VitaMix blender from their website. Both of my sisters have the Refurbished blenders and love them, they work perfectly and even come with a warranty. See HERE. Many Bed, Bath and Beyond stores also carry them and have been known to allow the customer to use their 20% off coupon, even though the coupon says it cannot be applied to VitaMix.
3. Practice Love, Acceptance and Gratitude
Love yourself! Don’t sabotage yourself from the get-go with negative self-talk. And STOP focusing on what you’re doing wrong and celebrate what you’re doing right. Daily affirmations do wonders, as do what I like to call “Smile Sessions.”
That’s right, Smile Sessions! Look in the mirror and smile at yourself. You smile at everyone else, but never yourself. Think about it. I’m right, aren’t I? Studies prove that smiling, even when you don’t feel like it, brings about happy and positive feelings. Just try it. I felt cheesy at first, and ended up laughing. But I kept doing it, and then started saying kind things to myself during my Smile Sessions. I realized I had never done that, either. I have said plenty of mean things to myself, to be sure. But kind words, never. Ms. Clark gave a good example, from the movie The Help: You is kind. You is smart. You is important. Yes, I is! And so much more!
Accept yourself and others. Have you ever looked in the mirror and said, “Gosh, I’m fat,” or “Ugh, I wish I could change ____ about myself.” Or perhaps you have spoken of others in this way. What feelings did that evoke within you? Answer: negativity, guilt, sadness, and anger. I know from experience. So what types of feelings do you think a Smile Session full of kind affirmations would evoke within you? Answer: positivity, love, happiness, and peacefulness. I know from experience. I now smile in every mirror I pass by. It’s not vanity. It’s self love. And we all need more of that.
Be grateful, even for the smallest things in life. Stop wanting for what you don’t have, and appreciate what you do have. Gratitude keeps you grounded, and brings about positive thoughts. When we have a positive attitude, we are less likely to binge eat. I have something called a Gratitude Journal, which I keep on my bedside table. Go to a bookstore and pick out a journal that suits you, it’s fun! I even got one for my husband. He uses it often and also finds in helpful in chasing away negative thoughts.
Before bed, I write down three things for which I am grateful. Otherwise known as the “Three Blessings Exercise.” This is especially helpful for those who have trouble falling asleep due to negative thoughts or racing mind. When you focus on your blessings in life, it’s nearly impossible to entertain a negative thought. Just try it. Here are a few entries taken from my own Gratitude Journal.
4. Go Inside
Inside your mind, that is. I highly recommend meditation. It will restore your inner calm and give you peace. And you can do it almost anywhere! I often use meditation for naughty food cravings and it works every time. If you suffer from panic attacks, stress or anxiety, meditation can be your new Xanax. Yes, really. And no harmful side affects.
My husband lovingly called me a “hippie” when he saw me meditating around the house. That is, until he tried it. The morning of his PhD Defense, he was so anxious and stressed out, he barely spoke. I could see the panic and dread in his eyes. He longed for a stress pill, like a Xanax, to calm his nerves. I told him to sit down with me on the floor, and I would provide an all-natural “Xanax,” that would leave him refreshed, clear and calm. When he saw me get into my meditation pose, he paused, one eyebrow lifted suspiciously. I asked him to open his mind and simply trust me. He complied. 10 minutes later, he opened his eyes and softly said the word, “Wow.” We practiced a few breathing episodes on the way to his meeting, too. After his successful defense, he thanked me several times, and agreed that meditation is indeed like an all-natural Xanax. If it worked for my skeptical husband, it will work for anyone.
Having an inner peace through meditation does wonders for weight loss and overall health, too. As you may be learning from this blog, being healthy is so much more than what we eat. If you want a healthy body for the rest of your life, you will also need a healthy, positive mind.
Meditation also costs nothing. You don’t even need to purchase a meditation CD. I have Pandora One on my iPhone and I use the meditation station. Or, I visit YouTube and type “Meditation Music” and choose from one of the many offered. I also enjoy this music when I’m writing in my Gratitude Journal or any time I want to feel more peaceful and calm (great for being stuck in traffic jams).
If you crave more information on this subject, I highly recommend this easy-to-read, influential book that will offer a clear introduction to mindfulness and meditation. See HERE.
Finally, watch this short video to learn how to meditate.
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5. Have Fun
Make time to do the things that make you happy. We tend to be busy constantly, and I’m not excluding myself here. Get out and have fun! Preferably the type of fun that does not revolve completely around food or alcohol (slippery slope!). Go to ball games with friends. Join a rock climbing or kayaking group. Start a fun exercise class with a friend. Go camping. Plant a garden. Go hiking in a State Park. Start a blog. Sign up for a healthy cooking class. Go boating. Walk dogs at your local animal shelter. And most importantly, stop spending hours on Facebook and Twitter and go live a real life full of activity and joy.
6. Make New Friends
I’ve said this before, but it bears repeating. You are ready for a real, positive life change. If your current friends aren’t cool with this, find new friends. I’m not telling you to ditch your old friends, although that is sometimes necessary. Sometimes, we must flick the negative and nasty people off the face of our world. Life is too short to spend it with people who don’t support, love and accept you.
Find a like-minded group via MeetUp.com, or even start your own! Host a healthy potluck for your new friends, or a movie/game night. Go on Retreats. I have met some truly amazing people this way.
7. Find Your Favorite Workout
I used to hop on my treadmill and run. I would watch the numbers go by, longing for the “End of Workout” to appear. What fun is that? Studies show that people who run outside have less stress. This varies person to person, of course. Some folks love their treadmills, and more power to them! For me, it was boring and I always ended up quitting. Finding something you love is essential in this journey.
Although what we eat affects our body’s profile more than anything, exercise is indeed important. It adds muscle tone, keeps your heart healthy, and decreases stress levels. I love yoga, running, rock climbing and kayaking. Find your passion and it will never feel like exercise. You’ll actually look forward to it.
8. Reach Out
Losing weight and/or getting healthy can be difficult on your own. Most people do need help. Ask for help from your friends and family members, and consider seeking out a Holistic Health Counselor, also known as a Wellness or Health Coach. Find one your area by clicking HERE.
9. Hide the Scale
If you’re the type of person who gets upset if the scale doesn’t reflect how hard you’ve worked, ditch the scale. Do not let a little piece of mechanical junk dictate how you’re going to feel that day. If you want to track your progress, allow ONLY one weigh-in per month. And take your measurements only once per month as well. I know many people who don’t like what they see on the scale after just one week, and quit.
10. Keep a Journal
This is different from the 3-Blessings Exercise. I often keep a Food Journal, wherein I write down everything I eat in a day, and how the meal made me feel. I don’t count the calories and whatnot, I simply write down what food I ate and the result of consuming it. One day, I drank a green smoothie for breakfast, enjoyed a marinated raw broccoli and quinoa lunch, and then ate a huge piece of cake from the Spiral Diner (my fav treat). After my breakfast entry, I wrote “Wow, I feel incredible. I have positive thoughts and a lot of energy. I am smiling for no apparent reason.” After lunch I wrote something quite similar. After my snack (the slab of sugar and fat-filled cake), I wrote “I feel tired, depressed and anxious. I am having some negative thoughts and can’t seem to calm them. Damn you, sugar!” The next time I thought about running over there and getting another piece of cake, all I had to do was open my Food Journal and read that entry again. I devoured a mango instead. My sweet tooth was happy, and I was happy.
In closing, don’t wait for a perfect day, like January 1st, or the 1st of any month, for that matter. Start TODAY. Make March 3, 2013 your day!
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Have you ever thought of adding parsley to your Mean Green juice? Well, you should! It does not change the taste much, and it offers a slew of health benefits. This super herb has been under-valued as a mere garnish next to a T-bone steak for too long. It is time parsley takes the stage! Petroselinum crispum, you’re up! No, that’s not a Harry Potter spell.
Parsley has numerous health benefits. Let’s talk about them before I share my “Herbed-up Mean Green” recipe.
Antioxidants
Parsley is a good source of antioxidants, like luteolin, Vitamin A and Vitamin C. What exactly are antioxidants? Antioxidants are vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that protect our cells. And after free radicals damage our cells, causing oxidative stress, antioxidants rush to their rescue. Free radicals would be the Joker here, attacking Gotham City (aka our cells), and antioxidants would be Batman. We could all use more Batman in our lives. Free radical damage is also linked to several yuckies like cancer, arthritis, atherosclerosis and other chronic diseases. Those pesky free radicals also poke their unwanted noses into our immune system. Therefore, Batman…uh, I mean antioxidants…keep you from getting sick, too. Colds, flu, various infections. And ain’t nobody got time for that!
Anti-Cancer
Parsley can help in the prevention of tumor formations, especially in the lungs, thanks to parsley’s secret weapon, myristicin. It can also neutralize carcinogens and therefore assist in the fight against colon and prostate cancer.
Anti-Inflammatory
Many scholars claim that inflammation is the root of most diseases. If you suffer from any type of inflammatory disorder like rhematoid arthritis, parsley can help you. The flavonoid, luteolin, and the Vitamin C in parsley provide an anti-inflammatory ninja in your body that goes to work, kicking serious ass, especially if used on a regular basis.
Strong Bones and More
Parsley has gobs of Vitamin K, which we need for bone strength. Moooove over, unhealthy cow milk, you’re no longer needed here. Vitamin K is pretty awesome. It helps our blood to clot, supports a healthy nervous system and prevents calcium build-up. Calcium build-up can cause heart problems and even stroke. Go Vitamin K! Just two tablespoons of parsley offer 153% of the recommended daily allowance of Vitamin K.
Healthy Heart and Stuff
Otherwise known as Vitamin B-9, the folate in parsley can help the heart function properly and stay healthy overall. Folate is also beneficial in fetal development, but pregnant women should not consume overly large amounts of parsley as it can have uterotonic effects. Folate is also important in the development of red blood cells. And we want those little buggers, because cancer can come a-knockin’ if we don’t have enough. Folate is also important to the manufacturing of our body’s ass-kicking department, also knows as the white blood cells.
So now that you know how awesome this under-valued herb really is, let’s add it to our favorite juices!
Raw Rebecca’s Herbed-Up Mean Green Recipe
5-6 Leaves Lacinto Kale (curly kale fine, too)
1/2 Bunch Parsley
4 Celery Stalks
1 Cucumber
2 Green Apples
1 Knob Ginger Root
1 Whole Lemon, peeled
Run through the juicer in this order: Kale, Parsley, Ginger, Lemon, Celery, Apples, Cucumber. Drink and dance!
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Today is Day 1 of yet another awesome Reboot for my husband and I. I thought it would be helpful to blog about my progress as well as the juices I make, and why they rock so hard. You can also follow my progress by “liking” my FACEBOOK page.
This is my “Ironman” Juice. I started my Reboot with this beautiful green concoction. It is chuck-full of spinach, which boasts a high iron content. Move over, Robert Downey, Jr! You too, Popeye!
Whatcha know ’bout iron?
The body absorbs 2 – 20% of non-heme (plant-based) iron. However, this rate can be increased easily through food pairing. You can eat the non-heme iron with heme iron (animal sources), which you certainly don’t want to do on a juice fast, or ever if you are 100% plant-based. Or, you can simply add fruits that are high in Vitamin C, like citrus fruits.
My Ironman juice is therefore full of iron that your body canabsorb easily. And, it tastes great, which makes it the perfect juice for beginners and kids.
You can also pair your spinach with other fruits and veggies that are high in Vitamin C in order to better absorb the non-heme iron. Try bell peppers, berries, broccoli, cauliflower, guava, melons, and pineapple.
Raw Rebecca’s Ironman Juice Recipe:
2 Pink Grapefruits, peeled
2 Oranges, peeled
2 Green Apples
2 Celery Stalks
4 Handfuls Spinach
1/2 Lemon, peeled
Run the spinach through the juicer first. Then the celery, apples and citrus.
Yields approximately 32 oz of juice.
Drink and prosper!
I am willing to bet that I’m not the only one who stress eats. Come on, now. Raise your hand. Let’s see ‘em. If you are raising your hand right now, keep reading.
Animal rescue can be soul crushing at times. Stressful, sad and just plain shitty. When you have a stressful, sad and just plain shitty day, what usually ends up on your dinner plate? For me, it used to be fast food, pizza, and gobs of anything that resembled cake. Sugar, sugar and more sugar, please! I once bought a box of Little Debbie snack cakes and ate the entire box throughout the day, because I had a “bad day” at work. No kidding. And that was coupled with plenty of McDonalds cheeseburgers, of course.
If you follow my Raw Rebecca Facebook page, you know I’ve had a rough few days with my beloved foster dog, Ginger (if not, read this). During this stressful time, I experienced those old cravings. I came very close to pulling into a Jack in the Box for a trough of french fries and onion rings. But I didn’t. The secret to my success is taking a moment to clear my mind, meditate, and then allow my loud-mouthed inner Drill Sergeant ask a few questions, like: “What is really going to serve you right now, Rebecca?” and “You feel badly right now, and you think this food will help, but what will it actually do for you?” Well, Ma’am, it would bring upon more negativity, that’s what. It would also toxify my body, Ma’am, and make my tummy hurt. It would most certainly bring about feelings of guilt, regret and failure, Ma’am. The Inner Drill Sergeant does not wish to hear about the constipation part, so we’ll skip that. “Do you really need those feelings on top of how you already feel?” Hell, no, Ma’am! “Keep driving, stick your tongue out at Jack in the Box, and get your ass home to make a Happy Shake!” Yes, Ma’am!
I promise I don’t have Multiple Personality Disorder. The Inner Drill Sergeant is me. The level-headed me. And you have one, too. Let her or him come through and talk to you in times of weakness. It does work! And when you actually listen to the level-headed part of you, you will feel victorious! When I looked back and saw Jack in the Box in my rear-view mirror, I grinned with pride.
So what was that I spoke of? A Happy what? A Happy SHAKE! Stacy Stowers created a little masterpiece with this one and it’s my favorite thing to eat during times of stress because it really does make you happy. I have been a fan of maca powder and raw chocolate for awhile now, but never have I been able to enjoy them together in such a delicious way.
The “Happy” part of the shake: Raw chocolate (cacao) is an absolute powerhouse for your mental health. It’s seriously one of the healthiest foods on the planet! Hailing from the seed of a tropical tree, it contains the highest amount of antioxidants of any food on earth and offers a full spectrum of vital nutrients. Well, hello, new friend! And it really does make you HAPPY! Eating raw chocolate triggers the production of endorphins, the same ones you experience when you fall in love, which ultimately creates a feeling of happiness. However, eat it in the form of a highly-processed and refined Snickers bar, and you just lost all that goodness. Major fail.
So, go get yourself a bag of Raw Cacao and let’s get started!
Note: I get my Cacao and Maca from Navitas Naturals (see HERE). It may seem expensive to buy both bags at once, but it’s worth it and it will last a long time. If you have a Whole Foods near you, check with them first so you don’t have to pay shipping costs.
Here is my favorite (vegan) version of Stacy’s Happy Shake:
Put this in your blender:
1/2 cup to 1 cup water
1 tbsp maca powder
1 tbsp raw cacao powder
1 tbsp organic coconut oil
1 tbsp chia seeds (my own addition)
1 tbsp “Field of Dreams” (see here) … green superfood powder is optional, of course!
4 cups loosely packed organic spinach
Blend all that goodness into a “green sludge.”
Now add the following:
1/2 cup frozen cut-up banana or one small banana
1.5 cups blueberries (I use organic frozen blueberries)
Pour into your favorite glass and sprinkle with raw cacao nibs, goji berries, shredded coconut or whatever you fancy. I eat it with a spoon, like ice cream. Don’t forget to “chew” your smoothie here and there, to aid in digestion. The rich chocolate color makes this a great “green” smoothie for kids!
As you can see, my eyes are still puffy from crying over my sweet Ginger’s ordeal, but the smile on my face is a direct result of the amazing HAPPY SHAKE!
Follow Ginger on Facebook, she has her very own page HERE.
Click this link to watch Ginger’s story, put to music and photos HERE.
Watch Ginger’s amazing training progress video HERE
Hi folks! I normally blog about nutrition, but animal rescue is another passion of mine and I need help finding a good dog a great home. That dog’ name is Ginger.
I recently rescued a 2-year old Mama dog and her babies from a sad situation. The neglectful owners never spayed their dog, and then allowed her to get pregnant. Once she had the babies, they found it bothersome and annoying and planned to dump the whole lot of them in the Texas countryside.
The little girl who lives in the home knows that I do animal rescue, and overheard her brother and father constructing these unsavory plans. She secretly alerted me to the unfolding situation. She told me how the puppies constantly shivered in the cold outside, and admitted two had died already. One day, she had broken a house rule and the punishment from her father was, “You cannot visit the dogs outside today.” Guess what that meant? Those poor dogs were not fed that day. Not that they were fed well, anyway. This is the same little girl who had brought me a darling puppy (that someone dumped at the playground) a few years back, and she hoped I could help again. The outcome of that past situation was a sweet dog named “Bevo,” who is now very happy in his forever home. I got to visit Bevo last year. He grew up big and strong, and definitely remembered me. Here is a photo of Mr. Bevo…
Although incredibly busy with 2 jobs and school, I simply could not turn the little girl down. Long story short, I was able to remove the entire dog family from danger and bring them into my home. I truly believe this was the first time the Mother dog ever felt true love and security in her life. And finally, the puppies experienced warmth. They never shivered again.
I named the Mama dog “Ginger” after my favorite root. Ginger root always makes me feel good inside, and so did this sweet dog. I could easily count Ginger’s ribs and her hip bones were visible, as was her vertebrae. She had a horrible case of worms, ear mites, and fleas. Since two puppies already died from the neglect, there were only 10 puppies left at the time I rescued them. A few days after rescue, another puppy sadly perished. He was a runt, and I did my best to save him. But the neglect was too far gone. My husband and I buried little “PeeWee” in our backyard with tears of sadness. Ginger somehow knew, and later dug at the site to the point we had to place a large rock upon the grave. She wanted her puppy back. It was heart breaking. This was the third time this poor dog had to endure the sadness and confusion of losing a baby. She had suffered enough.
RIP, little PeeWee. You left this world warm with a full belly, and knowing you were loved.
Ginger slowly recovered with good medicine, good food and lots of tender loving care. Her remaining nine puppies also flourished. Here are a few of the babies, lazily awaiting their first vaccinations…
After they were fully weaned, the puppies found homes quickly, but not Ginger. So she stayed with my husband and I, and we grew to love her very much. Ginger has an amazing personality and deep, loving brown eyes. When she stares at me, you can almost hear her saying, “I love you, thank you for saving me.” She is a very trusting and loyal dog, even after everything she has been through. Her smile is infectious.
At this point, after caring for 7 foster cats and 10 foster dogs, my finances dried up and I could not afford the massive vet bill coming my way. Ginger needed a lot of medical work, including a heart worm test, spay surgery and more. Although I dislike asking for help, I did, here on my blog. The response shocked me. The donations flooded in, fully covering Ginger’s vet work. She is now spayed, heart worm tested (negative!), flea-treated, fully vaccinated and even micro-chipped. I was amazed by the generosity and love that poured in for this sweet, innocent creature. We thank you, each and every one. And Ginger really thanks you! Just look at this healthy, happy dog!
We realized that Ginger would have a better chance of finding a good home if she had some basic training. Ginger did not know any manners when she came to us. She jumped on people constantly, begged at the table, and pulled on her leash during walks. That’s putting it lightly, actually! She pulled me so hard once, I flew through the air and fell flat on my face! I could not blame her, she had never been taught any proper doggie manners.
Through the recommendation of a good animal-rescue friend, we found an experienced trainer named Kerstin in Houston, Texas (www.joyfultails.com). Kerstin gave us a discount since Ginger is a rescue dog and Ginger’s loving followers paid for it with donations! This dog is POPULAR!
Kerstin of Joyful Tails kept Ginger for 2 weeks and provided her with humane, reward-based training every day in her clean and spacious home. When she returned home, my husband said, “This is an imposter! Where’s the real Ginger?” It’s amazing what a bit of training can do!
Ginger is finally ready for her forever home. So please share this with anyone you may know who is ready for the commitment and responsibility a larger-breed dog will bring.
POTENTIAL ADOPTERS, PLEASE READ:
About Ginger: This pretty girl is 60-pounds of pure love. She is a beautiful and healthy Mutt, most likely a Boxer, Black-Mouth Cur and Pit Bull mix. She is not aggressive in any way, even over her food. She has never so much as even growled at anyone, she is very submissive and sweet to humans.
Kids: Ginger loves children, but she is very puppy-like and doesn’t realize how big she is. Like a puppy, Ginger sees children as fun little playmates because they are loud and active. She therefore wants to run and jump around them. Since Ginger doesn’t realize how big she is, she could knock them over and accidentally hurt them in the process. She’s not at all aggressive, just young and playful. Ginger is fine around young kids when on a leash. Older kids are just fine all around, though. Our neighborhood children come to visit her, and she loves it. The tail never stops wagging in their presence.
Other Animals: Ginger loves cats. She had to be trained to understand that they are much smaller than her and not try to play with them. Like all of Ginger’s training, she passed in flying colors. She is now very respectful of cats. She and my elderly cat, Emmie, are good friends now!
Food: Ginger eats “Blue Buffalo” premium dog food and I’d like her to stay on it, or another high-quality food.
Activity: Ginger is a young and active dog. She loves her daily walks and/or runs. She would not do well in a home that has no time for her. She loves car rides, too. She wants to be a real part of the family, not a forgotten dog in the backyard. Want to get healthy and lose weight or maintain your fitness? This dog is for you! My husband went from doing no exercise to walking several miles per day thanks to Ginger! She is good for your heart, soul and health!
The Boxer Burns, aka “The Zoomies”: Ever see a Boxer get really excited and run around? The “Boxer Burns” are funny to watch. Ginger sometimes gets these when she is really happy and excited. She “zoom-zooms” around our back yard, often with her favorite stuffed animal in her mouth. Before her training, she did this half a dozen or more times per day, INSIDE our house, and it did get annoying. Now, she understands that this type of horse-play is an outdoor-only activity.
Laughter: If you don’t like to laugh, Ginger is not the dog for you. She does the cutest and funniest things. From trying to lap the water from your freshly-showered legs, to farting loudly and shamelessly in the middle of her sleep, she WILL have you rolling.
Tricks: Ginger has perfected many tricks and is always ready to learn more! She is VERY smart and loves to please. You can teach her new tricks in just a couple 15-minute training sessions. She knows how to sit, lay down, play dead, fetch, give high-fives, give high-tens (both paws!), shake paws, and even take a bow (yes, seriously). Ginger understands many commands, too. She used to beg at the dinner table, and even push her head into our laps while we tried to eat. Now, Ginger knows the command “Place,” wherein she will run to her dog bed in the living room and “Stay” there until the end of our meal, so we humans can eat in peace. She also knows “Out of the Kitchen,” which is nice for when I want to prepare a meal without a dog under my feet. She also knows the phrase, “Kennel Up!” wherein she runs to her crate for dinner time, or bed time.
Although it’s best that Ginger sleep in her crate, aka her “den,” at night, she loves to day-nap in bed with her humans, or curl up in bed with you while you read. She loves to cuddle.
Ginger is 100% potty trained. She sits by the door and looks back at you when nature calls. If you’re not paying attention, she will whine. And she doesn’t tear up the house, furniture or possessions. I have left Ginger alone in my living room (for several hours) on numerous occasions and have never returned to any home damage. Just her, waiting for me at the door with a sad face that quickly turns into a very happy face
Ginger takes a bath very well (but only bathe her when necessary, as constant bathing can harm her natural oils and healthy skin). She stands perfectly still, and even raises her paws carefully so you can wash her pads underneath. Ginger also loves it when YOU take a bath! She enjoys lapping the water from the tub, and “drying” your legs off with her tongue when you’re finished. She will even lick your face when you least expect it. She is guaranteed to make you laugh!
Ginger is a great office assistant, too. She sits quietly while chewing her bully stick…
or hides underneath your desk, offering a paw to help. She truly is a gentle, loving soul.
Ginger rides in the car very well. She loves going into Petsmart to pick out a new toy!
Please email at RawRebecca1979@gmail.com if you have further questions about this beautiful, loving dog.
She is ready to sail away to her forever home!
I again offer thanks to those of you who helped Ginger with her Vet bills and her training classes. As my good friend says, “It takes a village to raise a dog and find it a home.” Please share Ginger’s story!
With heartfelt thanks,
Raw Rebecca
RawRebecca1979@gmail.com
Most of you already know that I rescued a Mother Dog, Ginger, and her 10 babies from certain doom this year. They had been terribly neglected, and one puppy died as a result. Ginger was near starved. Fast forward a month or so, and all 9 puppies got adopted into good homes, healthy as ever! Ginger gained weight and I treated her for tape worms, fleas and ear mites. She is a good dog, and desperately wants to find a forever home with a loving family.
My funds are now dry, after caring for these sweet dogs, so I am asking for help. I hate asking for help, but I know I must, especially since my local rescue groups are unable to help me. Ginger needs to be spayed, vaccinated, and tested for heart worm disease before anyone will take her.
Please help me help this sweet dog. Even a donation of $5 is a big deal right now.
Please use the link provided to see the “Chip In” page I have created for Ginger. All money given goes directly to Ginger’s medical costs. I will update this blog entry with more details and photos. Please share, and help me find Ginger the home she deserves.
Occasionally, I post a Facebook photo that shows cooked food on my plate, like the Enchiladas Mole platter I enjoyed during my recent trip to San Francisco, from the fabulous organic vegan restaurant, Gracias Madra.
Upon posting such photos, I often receive several emails or comments, asking, “Why are you eating cooked food, I thought you were Raw?” Let’s examine Raw Foodism, shall we? This does not have to be a strict religion, my friends. Like Judita Wignall says in her book, Going Raw, eating cooked food is not a sin, it’s a choice. For me, a High Raw diet makes me feel energetic, positive, alive and radiant, moreso than any other way of eating. Not to mention I can eat my fill without counting points or calories and still maintain my ideal weight without even thinking about it. So, I eat mostly Raw. It’s that simple. I certainly don’t do it because I think the Cooked Food Police are peering through my kitchen window. She’s got a piece of sprouted toast in her hand! Charge the door! As such, I feel no guilt when I eat healthy, plant-based cooked foods, and you shouldn’t either.
The technical definition of a “Raw Foodist” is someone who eats between 75-100% Raw (food never heated over 118 degrees) on a daily basis. As such, some Raw Foodists do indeed eat cooked foods on occasion, some eat a bit every day. If I am engaging in a Raw Cleanse, like I did last month for “Rawgust,” then yes, I am 100% Raw for that time period. Otherwise, I do eat cooked foods. When and how much? That depends on my mood and the season. In the Summer, I am very High Raw, 90-100% most every day. In the Fall and Winter months, however, most of my daily meals will often have a cooked component, sometimes two. During cold weather, I enjoy piping hot chili, lightly grilled veggie panini sandwiches, vegan pumpkin bread and a variety of soups to name a few.
My point here is that cooked food is not the devil and you shouldn’t get caught up in trying to be 100% Raw if you feel stressed about it, or if you experience cravings for healthy, hot food. Some veggies even give us more nutrients when lightly steamed. Yes, you will be losing the ever-essential live enzymes, but it’s easy to make up for that by keeping the majority of your diet Raw. Even a 50% Raw diet will give your body a break from having to create its own enzymes.
Back to those cravings. If my body craves cooked food, I listen to it and eat some cooked food. I simply make sure it’s healthy cooked food. I love a generous bowl of quinoa with steamed carrots and broccoli, all drizzled with tamari, for example. And then there are times when I crave a tofu scramble with “soysage” or a vegan hot dog and french fries. But I often make wise choices when eating such cooked foods, and I watch my portion sizes. For example, my tofu will be organic and non-gmo. My hot dog bun will be sprouted whole-grain. My french fries will be baked, not fried, and prepared from an organic potato, sometimes a sweet potato, and have little oil with just a touch of pink Himalayan sea salt. I also try to always pair the cooked food with Raw food. As you can see from this photo, the majority of my plate is still Raw. The Un-Tuna Salad from Christy’s Morgan’s Blissful Bites cookbook is one of my favorite (technically not-Raw) dishes, but it is plant-based, very healthy and delicious, as are all of her recipes. I paired it with her famous Mac ‘n Kale salad (which is Raw), and I felt satisfied and energetic after eating this meal.
And then there are my once-per-month “Benders” when SVH and I head down to the local Vegan eatery, Spiral Diner, for some burgers (the El Paso burger with a nut patty is to die for), pasta salad and cake (or cookies if they have the ever-awesome Vegan Snickerdoodles). Do we feel great after eating such a meal, like we do after eating a Raw meal? Of course not! The key is to limit these “Benders.” After a Bender, we are always excited to get back to our healthy, High Raw diet the next day because once you feel the benefits of a High Raw diet, it’s hard not to miss them immediately. After eating such a meal, we often lay around and moan to each other, “I’m acidic, help!” or “I need live enzymes, help!” After awhile, one of us will get up and head to the kitchen to make a green juice. It always sets us straight! It should be noted that my old Benders consisted of a McDonald’s double cheeseburger, fries, chicken nuggets and a milkshake. My new Benders aren’t looking so bad, huh? Not only was I acidic and lacking in live enzymes, I was downright toxic.
It’s all about keeping your body alkaline, my friends. Eat mostly Raw (aim for a little over 50% or more), get those awesome little live enzymes, and you will feel good every day and experience amazing energy and overall good health. But never give yourself grief over eating healthy cooked foods and don’t give anyone else grief for it, either.
Speaking of this, nothing upsets me more than seeing someone put down a fellow good health seeker, for eating something they deem unhealthy. Ditch the “holier than thou” attitude and offer positive reinforcement instead. We are all on the same side here. A good example is almond milk. Gasp! She doesn’t always make her own raw almond milk? Charge the door! That’s right, there’s a carton of Silk Pure Almond in my fridge right now! Better get the handcuffs ready!
I recently witnessed someone post a Facebook photo of their newly-purchased almond milk, which they found at their local grocery store. The person was excited about making the switch from unhealthy cow milk to healthy almond milk. But along came someone who quickly advised them that store-bought almond milk isn’t as good as homemade almond milk, and then proceeded to tell them why the store-bought brand was so “bad.” This is incredibly counterproductive and may cause the person to feel it’s all hopeless and go back to eating the Standard American Diet. You can also relay such information in subtle, more polite ways. Tell them you tried making your own and loved the results so much, you’d like to share the recipe with them. Or, better yet, simply tell them “Good job,” for making a better choice.
The moral of the story is to take your own baby steps in this journey to good health and accept where it leads you. Not everyone goes down the same path. Each journey is unique. I personally went from a fat, sick Fast-food Addict to a lean, healthy Raw Vegan. It was not my plan, it just evolved that way because I continued to do what made me feel best. And that’s what you should do for yourself, whatever makes you feel the best. Use the guides and inspiration that’s out there, but always follow your own path. Whatever you’re doing now is better than what you were doing. Keep that in mind.
RT @ForksOverKnives: "What every human being should do is eat a vegetarian diet based on whole foods. Period." - Roger Ebert http://t.co ...... 1 month ago
