Chocolate Banana Smoothie

During the week my diet is pretty much low on the glycemic index.  On the weekends I do enjoy indulging my sweet tooth a little more.  Did you know that Raw Cacao is a superfood?  Yaaahoo!!!  Sorry, I am just a little crazy about chocolate.  Raw cacao is high in antioxidants and iron and it has one of the highest levels of magnesium.  Also it is rich in a host of other nutrients -- but remember, it must be raw to have all those beneficial nutrients. Here is a recipe for a smoothie that is decadently thick, rich and very chocolaty.  My kids absolutely love this smoothie.  You may want to have this a little earlier in the day rather than late at night.  It might keep you or your kids up later than you would like.

 Chocolate Banana Smoothie

• 2 frozen bananas
• 5 medjool dates
• 1 cup raw cashews or almonds (you may presoak them for few hours)*
• 3 heaping tablespoons of raw cacao powder (or roasted cocoa powder)
• optional: 1 tbsp each of any superfoods you may have on hand (e.g., flax seed, chia seed, hemp seed, coconut oil, raw honey)
• coconut or almond milk (enough to fill the carafe)

 Adjust ingredients to suit your taste, whether you prefer it thicker or sweeter.  A Vitamix blender will give you the best results with this recipe.  So good and guilt free!

(*Soaking raw nuts releases enzyme inhibitors and makes them more alkaline)


Enjoy the journey!

A Raw Dinner Invitation / Amazing Raw Food Transformations

This past weekend I had the wonderful pleasure of being invited by close friends for dinner.  My friends' daughter, Becca, prepared the most amazing raw food meal for me and my family.  I have known Becca and her family since she was a little girl and it has been so nice to see her transform into a  lovely young woman.  Here she is with one of the horses she rides.  

I was totally blown away by the invitation.  You see, I write my blog hoping that people are inspired to improve their diet and to improve all habits that lead to health.   It thrills me to no end when I see someone become inspired and they just take off.  Becca and her family are moving full force ahead searching for recipes and experiencing the raw food lifestyle. 

Here is what we had and it was so delicious!  

From RawFoodPassion.com:

Carrot Coconut Ginger Lime Soup 

2 young Thai coconuts

4 limes

6 carrots

1 tsp of fresh ginger 

sea salt to taste 

Directions: Open the coconuts and scoop out the meat, using the meat and the water. Put all of the ingredients into the Vitamix and blend until smooth. Garnish with a lime and enjoy a colorful meal!

From Pure2Raw.com: 

Arugula Pumpkin Seed Pesto Sauerkraut Lasagna 

1 zucchini, large (thinly sliced)

1 large tomato (thinly sliced) 

pumpkin arugula pesto (recipe below)  

as much sauerkraut as you want

Pumpkin Arugula Pesto

about 1 cup fresh arugula

1/3 cup pumpkin seeds (can use sunflower seeds or any nut)

2 garlic cloves (optional)  

1/4 tsp salt (or to taste)  

2 tbsp tahini  

3 tbsp sauerkraut juice (can use lemon or lime juice or apple cider vinegar) 

handful of fresh basil  

2-3 tbsp nutritional yeast

Place all pesto ingredients in your blender* and blend till creamy. 

*may do it in a food processor as well.

From RawFoodPassion.com:

Mango Avocado Spinach Wrap

1/2 cup spinach
1 mango
1 avocado
4 romaine lettuce leaves

Directions: Mash up the avocado, add a little sea salt if you like. Cut up the spinach into thin slices. Take your romaine leaves and put the spinach on first, followed by avocado mash and sliced mangoes. Enjoy!

For dessert we had these delicious coconut truffles.  Melt in your mouth, delicious!  

From RawFoodRecipes.com: 

Mint Chocolate Chip Macaroons

1/2 cup cold-pressed coconut oil

1/2 cup raw honey or agave nectar

3/4 teaspoon peppermint extract

pinch of Himalayan salt

3 tablespoons raw cacao nibs

2 1/2 cups finely shredded coconut

Mix coconut oil, honey, peppermint, salt and cacao nibs in a large bowl.  Pour the coconut into the same bowl and mix well to combine all ingredients.  Scoop round balls onto a cookie sheet or platter or spread into a 9” square baking dish.  Place in the freezer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours.  Thaw 15 minutes before serving.  If you opted for the square dish, cut into desired shapes after thawing.

Amazing Raw Food Transformations!

I also wanted to share with you some images that Becca showed me from WeLikeItRaw.com.  These are before and after shots of people who transitioned from a Standard American Diet to a raw food diet.  Some of the before and after shots look like two completely different people.  Click here to view the images.  Excellent post by We Like it Raw!

Enjoy the journey!

The Amazing Health Benefits of Coconuts/ Restaurants in Puerto Rico

 I just flew in a couple of days ago from Puerto Rico where my sister lives.  We had a wonderful family reunion with my other sister and parents who also joined us.  So sad to say bye to everyone.  Here we are gathered at the table on Christmas Eve.

Alas, I am back in Maryland.  It was also hard to leave the wonderful tropical climate.  I wish we could just pack up and move to some warm location.  I couldn't have such an experience and not do a post on one of my favorite foods.  Coconuts!  I told my sister that all I wanted in Puerto Rico was "coco-frio".  On one occasion we were driving down one of their main thoroughfares which ran by a coconut tree lined beach.  My husband spotted the sign first.  My sister swerved from the busy road to park in front of a line of food vendors.  We passed by all of the popular food vendors to a pick-up truck loaded with coconuts.  The vendor gave the coconut a few chops with his machete, put in a straw and handed me my most coveted tropical elixir, coconut water!

Our stash of coconuts

The benefits of this abundant tropical fruit are astounding and endless.  I will site a few just to give you an idea of the caliber of this amazing fruit.  Coconut water is hydrating, alkalizing, filled with antioxidants and electrolytes.  It has anti-aging properties and makes some nutrients more absorbable.  It boosts the immune system, it's antimicrobial, anti-fungal and antibacterial.  It aids in digestion and increases one's metabolism.  It is naturally sterile and has been used to save the lives of people in developing countries where blood banks are not readily available.  It is almost identical to human blood plasma.  Imagine a patient hooked up to an I.V. line and bag filled with coconut water.  Yes, it has been done.  It is also excellent for athletes.  Blend some up with a tablespoon or more of chia seed and you have an amazing sports drink.  Much better for you than the neon colored synthetic drinks available on the market.

My kids enjoying coco-frio

Apparently the craze for coconut water has caught on giving birth to multi-million dollar businesses.  Some popular brands are Zico and Madonna's Vita-coco.  I do have a problem with them, however.  They are pasteurized.  I will not say the they are void of all nutrients, but pasteurization renders much of the beneficial properties useless.  Raw will always be best.  Body Ecology is a company that packages the water and freezes it.  You can find it on  amazon.  Exotic Superfoods is another company  that sells truly raw coconut water.  Another option would be to buy fresh young coconuts in Indian and Asian markets and cut them open yourself.  Here's a youtube how-to video.  (If having trouble with the link, right click on link and open in new window)  Please be careful with your digits!

Coconut oil has gotten a bad rap for far too long.  After research and observing people groups that have a high consumption of coconut oil, it turns out that coconut oil is the best oil to use.  It is stable and does not become carcinogenic when heated like most other oils.  It turns liquid at approximately 70 degrees and solid below that temperature.  It will not coat your arteries, as a matter of fact, it promotes heart health.  Coconut oil is about 50% lauric acid.  (Lauric acid helps to fight infection.)  The only other source that is similar in quantity is mother's milk, which explains why breast fed babies suffer far fewer infections than formula fed babies.  Like coconut water, the oil also helps to increase one's metabolism and  improves digestion.  Used topically it is fantastic!  My husband tells me that I often smell like a coconut.  It is wonderful to slather it on as a moisturizer.  It helps the skin ward off infection, psoriasis and eczema, especially if dairy is cut out of one's diet.  It also helps to strengthen and repair hair when damaged. About once a week, I just coat my hair with it and let it sit for a half hour before I wash my hair.  I purchase organic virgin raw coconut oil by the gallon from Mountain Rose Herbs.  It really is reasonably priced at this site.  (Coconut oil has a shelf life of up to two years.)

Raw foodists use all food forms of the coconut for their smoothies, sauces and raw confections.  The young meat of the coconut and its gelatinous composition is perfect to create custard like desserts.  The mature meat when grated and pressed produces the milk.  Have you ever tasted it? Yum!! Of course, I'm always using the grated dehydrated coconut flakes for raw pie crust or freezer fudge. Look up Jennifer Cornbleet and Ani Phyo raw prep books for simple dessert recipes on Amazon.com

If you are so inclined to hack at a few coconuts, try this recipe that I found on another blog: Raw Vegan Pina Colada

Vegetarian Friendly Restaurants of Puerto Rico:

If you happen to be traveling to Puerto Rico, may I suggest a few vegetarian friendly restaurants?  I do not stay on a raw diet when I travel.  It is too difficult.  Maybe someday I'll figure it out.  I'm just not there yet.  I do stay mostly vegan.  We ate at some restaurants that catered to our dietary needs.  One Restaurant was "El Ladrillo" in Dorado.  You will not find vegan options on the menu, but if you call ahead 24 hours, they will make special accommodations.  The owner herself prepared the most amazing "vegan mofongo" for us.  It is a dish made of mashed plaintain shaped into a bowl.  It was topped with a tomato based sauce and mixed vegetables.  Killer good!  Another excellent restaurant is located at a mountain retreat in Utuado, "La Casa Grande". They have a phenomenal chef, Mike Mahon, who is completely undaunted by the task of preparing delicious vegetarian or vegan entrees. ( I can't tell you how many times I've been disappointed by other chefs who are totally clueless.)  He delivers mouth-watering delectable dishes every time!  For quick, reasonably priced sandwiches, consider El Meson.  Another good sandwich restaurant and juice bar with a more gourmet edge is Pure and Natural in Condado.  They are a little slow on service, but the food was scrumptious.  Cafe Berlin in Old San Juan is a good option for brunch.  

As always, all good things must come to an end.  Sigh.

And now, back to the grind in cold, gray Maryland!  Happy New Year to you all.  Many blessings in 2012!

Enjoy the Journey!

Raw Food Resouces/ The Dirty Dozen

I promised you resources for non-perishable raw foods.  I have found these sources in raw food preparation books or from searching the web.  I encourage you to do the same.  Of course, this list is not exhaustive but I'm sure you could find just about anything you are looking for from these sites:

Sun Organic Farms:  This business carries nuts, seeds, grains, dates and other non perishables.

Living Tree Community:  Carries nuts, nut butters, oils, sweeteners, tea, raw chocolate and many other items.

Gold Mine Natural Food Co: Lots of foods from Asia such as nori, soba noodles, wakame sea weed, nama shoyu, tamari and miso.  It also carries foods such as dried fruits, legumes and brown rice.

Champlain Valley Apiaries:  This site carries honey, bee pollen, royal jelly and teas.

Mtn Honey: More honey and honey products on this site.

Honey Gardens:  This site also carries honey, syrups, salve and body care items.

Jaffe Bros. Natural Foods:  This site carries nuts, nut butters, sproutable seeds, dehydrated fruits and vegetables, rice, legumes, spices, olives, oil and other items.

Mountain Rose Herbs:  I buy organic raw coconut oil by the gallon from this site.  Best price around.  They also carry herbs, spices, seeds for sprouting, sea weeds, teas, bath and body care items.

Raw Guru:   I really like this site for its visual appeal.  They carry an immense amount of variety including superfoods, raw cacao products, oils, nuts, grains, seeds, appliances, Himalayan and sea salt, really raw almonds (extinct in California and most of U. S. because they're all pasteurized)  Awesome site!

If you just search for "raw foods" you'll find  scores of other websites that carry a wide assortment of products that raw foodists use in their diet.

I also promised to introduce you to the Dirty Dozen of pesticide laden produce.  Some of these fruits and vegetables contain up to 67 different types of pesticides according to this CNN article.  Compound that information with the size of children and you can imagine how toxic some of this produce can actually be.  

I'm in Puerto Rico at my sister's house through the holidays.  Can I tell you how nice it is to sit in the back terrace and feel the ocean breeze?  This is a welcomed respite from a mad whirlwind of activity the past few weeks.  I wish you and your loved ones a wonderful holiday season!  Be well, be safe and be healthy!

Enjoy the Journey!

How to Prevent Cancer / Chia Pudding For Breakfast

I'm interrupting my scheduled post again because of an article I read recently.  It is written by a physician whom I greatly respect and admire.  He also promotes healthful living through a plant based diet and active lifestyle.  I had the pleasure of hearing him and speaking to him several years ago at Modern Manna's Health and Healing Crusade in Lodi, CA.  In a recent article, he writes about the cause of Steve Jobs' death.  Steve Jobs' name is synonymous with Apple and Pixar, being the creative genius behind both successful business enterprises.  He was a strict vegan, so why did he die of cancer?  Mr. Jobs asked Dr. John McDougall to tell his story, to explain what happened due to his concern that the true story might be spun into a half truth.  Click here for the article.  Having read the article, I had to put in my two cents.  I believe that there are three major contributing factors to cancer.  Understanding them can help us to prevent the disease.

The first factor is the Standard American Diet (SAD) and sedentary lifestyle:  The first line of defense is diet and exercise.  Being vegan is a major help in preventing cancer but there is a very important aspect that must not be ignored by those who practice veganism.  The pivotal indicator to whether one is susceptible to disease or not is pH balance.  One can be vegan, have an acidic pH level and be prone to disease.  Or one could be vegan, with an alkaline pH level and have a body that fights and prevents disease.   This subject is so important that I plan to do a post on it in the very near future.  In a nutshell, cooked food, processed food and animal products promote acidity and raw foods promote alkalinity.  We must have an abundance of uncooked fruits, cruciferous vegetables, dark leafy greens, sprouted grains and soaked nuts.  We must eat a variety of fruits and vegetables that have as many colors as the rainbow.  Add regular exercise, purified water for hydration and hydrotherapy, adequate rest and meditation to the equation and you're on your way toward powerful health. 

The second factor is stress and emotions:  Stress and and emotions can also tip the pH balance scale.  Negative emotions contribute to acidity in the body.  That is why I say that it is important to focus your thoughts and emotions toward positive things.  Try to focus on thinking about what is beautiful.  Count your blessings.  Learn to forgive.  Control stress.  Hey, I've been through the mill and hit some tight spots in my life.  But what kept me going was hope.  Sure enough the sun does rise on a daily basis.  If the situation you are dealing with is within your control, then by all means, change your situation.

The third factor is exposure to chemicals, pollution and electromagnetic radiation:  All of these things are present in abundance in our modern world.  It is best to avoid as many chemicals as possible and use natural products.  Stop and think about what might be in your home?  Cleaning products, air fresheners, body lotions, toothpaste and perfumes are common culprits.  Also think about microwaves, cell phones and computers.  Become informed and use all precautions necessary when using these items.  It's not about being a nutty tree-hugging fanatic.  It's about cancer and disease prevention.  If the products you use contain ingredients that are cooked up in a lab, avoid them. I know a woman who suffered from debilitating chronic illness.  In desperation to be well, she sold her house by an airport where huge amounts of chemicals were sprayed, to relocate to a better location with cleaner air.  She regained her health when she moved.  Again, change what is within your power to change.  I have set naturalnews.com as my Internet start page.  It keeps me informed of the latest news on important matters related to healthful living, including dangerous products we should seek to avoid.

I will not list genetics as a factor because I believe genetics is something that can be overcome.  At Weimar Center of Health and Education in California, one of the sayings their doctors would share with NEWSTART(TM) guests is, "Genetics loads the gun, but lifestyle pulls the trigger."  How much of the genetic connection is actually the natural tendency of children to follow in their parents lifestyle choices in regard to diet and activity level?  For example, Dr. Richard Schulze was en route to the same fate of his parents -- death by heart disease.  He drastically changed his way of living and now he enjoys abundant health and is teaching thousands how to heal themselves of all sorts of diseases.

As for all the naysayers who blame Jobs' diet as a cause for his cancer, there will always be those who scoff at this way of living.  I've been the subject of derision and mockery.  The funny thing is that those who mock are usually the most sickly and unfit people I know. To me going raw is simply returning to what was originally intended for us.   Raw food has invigorated me so much, and the effects are so remarkable that they  have impelled me to begin this blog -- something I had no intention of ever doing.  I also can see the visible effects on other people who choose this diet for themselves.  They glow with health.  I challenge anyone who criticizes this way of living to try it for themselves for a few months and then go back to the Standard American Diet (SAD) and note the difference in how they feel.

On a different note, I have found another option for breakfast -- chia seed pudding.  Chia seed is the same seed that is used for the chia pets.  What a waste to use it as a little mini garden nicknack.  It actually is a superfood that was used and revered by the Mayans.  They used it as currency and in their worship to their gods.  The Spanish, in an effort to forcibly convert the Mayans to Catholicism, outlawed this amazing seed.  I am a descendant of the Mayan people of Guatemala and Spanish conquistadors.  I should have known of this seed all along.  My mother wild harvested this seed when she was growing up in Guatemala to add to drinks and other foods.  Now as an adult, I have rediscovered this superfood of my ancestors and am fascinated by the history and politics behind my new breakfast option.

To make a pudding, take about 1/4 cup of chia seed.  Put it into a breakfast bowl.  Add either almond milk or coconut milk to fill the bowl.  I sweeten it slightly with agave nectar.  Add a pinch of salt to it.  Let it sit for 30 to 40 minutes.  The seeds will plump up and fill the bowl.  It has the slippery consistency of tapioca.  It is very low in calories and high in nutrition, protein, antioxidants and Omega 3 fatty acids.  Chia is especially good for athletes or those seeking to lose weight. You can find it at your local health food store, Amazon.com, or buy in bulk online at this site.

Enjoy the journey!

Where I Shop for Organic Produce

I have to apologize for not posting more frequently.  I'm finding it more difficult to do so as we approach the holiday season.  I'm so busy!

Anyhow, on to the subject at hand:

When my husband and I were making the decision to move back to the East Coast from California, one of the stipulations I had was that I needed to have my favorite stores within a short distance.  Two stores, that's all I was requiring: Trader Joe's and Costco.  Once I knew that they were located close to my new home, I was satisfied. I love Whole Foods, but if I were to shop there exclusively, it would break my bank.  Trader Joe's offers a great selection of reasonably priced organic foods.  Costco also carries some organic items.  Whatever I cannot find at these two stores, I will pick up at Roots, my local health food store.

I decided to "bring you along" to these stores on one of my shopping trips to give you a breakdown of what certain foods cost.  Bear in mind that these prices and items are representative of  Montgomery County, MD, which is a high cost of living area.  (Obviously, prices may vary significantly depending where you live.)

Costco: 

I buy organic carrots at Costco.  I'm going on memory here.  I pick up a 10 lb. bag for approximately $7.00.  That's cheap!  Sorry, no photos.  Nothing fancy, just a warehouse.

 

Some friendly staff whom I see on a weekly basis. 

Trader Joes:

organic walnuts, approx. 1lb.:  $5.69

organic russet potatoes, 5 lb. bag: $3.99

organic D'Anjou pears, 2 lb. bag: $2.49

organic navel oranges, 4 lb. bag: $3.79

organic Roma tomatoes, 12. oz. pack: $3.29

organic basil, 2.5 oz. pack: $2.99

organic limes, 1 lb. bag: $1.99

organic bananas, each: $0.29

organic tricolor bell peppers, 3 ct. pack: $4.29

organic kiwis, 6 ct bag: $1.99

organic gala apples, 2 lb bag: $2.49 

organic broccoli crowns, 3 ct. pack: $3.99 

organic grapefruit, 4 lb. bag: $4.49 

organic avocados, 4 ct. bag: $3.79

 I love health food stores, they speak my language!

Roots:

organic spinach, 11 oz. box: $5.99

organic green chard, 1 bunch: $2.69

I find these prices to be very reasonable.  If you don't have a Trader Joe's store near you, take the time to shop around for a grocery store that carries reasonably priced organic foods.  Another option is to search for organic farms in your area.  Local Harvest is a great site for locating farms all over the United States.  Fresh, local, organic produce will always be best.  Less transit/delivery time means more nutrition! The Green Smoothie Girl, Robyn Openshaw, has some tips on how to decide whether or not to buy organic when on a tight budget.  Check out her YouTube video here.

In the next few posts I will list sites that carry non-perishable organic foods, introduce you to the "Dirty Dozen" of pesticide-laden produce, and feature a local CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) farm.

The holidays are upon us!    I wish you and your loved ones a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Enjoy the Journey!

Why Eat Organic?

I love roses!  I love to have them billowing and sprawling over my fence.  I love arbors cascading with Lady Banksia or Cecile Brunner with their intoxicating heady fragrance.  So I had my husband plant some for me in the yard.  There was one condition about my roses, they had to be able to survive and thrive without my attention.  If they give even one sign that they are weak or fussy, they will get ripped out.  I have no patience for a fussy rose.  So what did I do?  I bought antique roses which have withstood the test of time.  The type in this photo is called Pinkie (Antique Rose Emporium).  These roses may have grown by the side of a barn perhaps, unattended or cared for in decades.  The roses I hate?  They  are the ones that have been crossbred for long canes, color or what have you.  They need to be sprayed, pruned and fed special concoctions of rose food.  Avoid what has been tampered with!  The same goes for food.    People have been growing food organically for thousands of years.  Organic heirloom seeds cultivated in mineral rich organic soil produce the most nutritionally dense food.  Yet it seems that man has become too smart for his own good.  Profit, not good health, has become the focus of food production.  The solution? Buy organic foods!

Here are some reasons why I feel it is important to eat organic foods:

1. To avoid all the nasty pesticides and chemicals that are used on conventional produce.  If we want to prevent diseases like cancer, we must eliminate exposure to as many chemicals as possible.  The soil conventional produce is grown in, is depleted of many of the essential minerals and nutrients that are so necessary for healthy food and healthy bodies.  In my estimation, you may just be doing your body more harm by eating conventional food even if they are fruits and vegetables.  Imagine the run off of these chemicals.  They don't just go away, but get absorbed into the soil, streams, lakes, etc.  

2. To avoid genetically modified organisms or GMO's for short.  I honestly think many people do not realize how harmful these are.  Part of the reason they don't alarm more people is because we still haven't seen the long term effects of this new venture into food production.  Certain foods have been rushed passed the FDA to the grocery store, doing harm those who will eat them.  The sole purpose behind the production of GMO's is profit, not your health!  The production of GMO's is rooted in pure unadulterated evil.  Need more info?  Watch The Future of Food - very eye opening!  Another important film is Food, Inc.  Did you know that the U.S.government subsidizes conventional produce?  That is one of the reasons it is cheaper than organic produce.  Yes, good ol' Uncle Sam is in bed with GMO manufacturers.  Vote with your dollars.  See where in your budget you can trim some fat and reallocate your funds to organically grown foods.  You can only stand to gain amazing health by eating an abundance of organically grown produce.  If you care to stay up to date with GMO production news (or any news that pertains  to new laws and information regarding healthful plant based diets), click here for Natural News.

3. To support organic farmers.  I love farmers' markets and road side stands, especially if they make an effort to grow organic produce.  Organic farmers use methods that sustain the health of the soil, water and environment.  Their methods promote health, not only for the plants but for our bodies as well.  These amazing people are swimming against the tide. Their competition?  Huge corporations that have the government backing them up and whose only purpose is to make as much money as possible. I will always advise to eat vegan/vegetarian but if you still decide to eat meat, please, eat organic.  Animals that are raised organically have not been pumped with hormones and have been given nutritious feed.  They have been raised humanely without the stifling confines that are commonplace with animals that are raised in conventional farms. Conventionally raised animals are given feed that is chemically treated and possibly non-vegetarian (meaning, they may be given ground up remains of other dead animals mixed with their feed - which has been identified as a cause of Mad Cow's Disease).  They may be forced to stand in their own feces and often do not have enough room to move around freely.  Happy, healthy animals will produce better meat. People can joke about PETA all they want, but until you see the horrible suffering that is inflicted on these poor animals, you would probably think twice about mocking such organizations.  If you can handle it, watch PETA's Earthlings.  I won't watch it - too graphic for me.  I also will not provide a link to the trailer for the same reason.  Farmers who make the effort to raise food responsibly and ethically should be rewarded for their efforts.

4. To eat more flavorful food.  I eat as much organic food as I can afford.  There are times however, when the price is too hefty for me and I opt for conventional produce.  Recently, I was shopping for organic avocados and noticed that the conventional ones were considerably cheaper so I opted to buy them.  When I cut them open I noticed that they were rubbery and tasteless.  My daughter usually comes around to steal my avocados when I have them for a snack.  She tried one and said, "That's okay mom, they don't taste so good."  Next time I went back to organic.  When I cut one open I found it to be as buttery, yummy and delicious as I expected it to be.

5. To nourish our bodies and help prevent disease.  If you are fighting illness, you will be fighting an uphill battle if you are eating the wrong foods.  Junk food is teeming with GMO's, chemicals and ingredients that have been scraped off of who knows where.  If you want to be healthy down to the cellular level, you must eat organic. To fight disease, eat organic raw (or mostly raw) vegan food!  I'll say it 'til I'm blue in the face.

I found some very tasty recipes that you should try.  TeraWarner.com is a great source for raw food recipes.  Sarma Melngailis, who is a chef and owner of a fantastic restaurant in Manhattan- Pure Food and Wine, was featured in this post.  I'm dying to go to this restaurant.  Cucumber Pineapple gazpacho and Freezer Fudge are recipes that I have tried and love,  So delicious!  Check them out here!

Next post I would like to discuss where I shop for organic produce to make it affordable.

Enjoy the journey!