The One Month RAW Challenge

[mtmouse]

What, btw, is a raw wheat bagel? Sounds good.


It's Cohen's recipe for rye bagels (p. 335), which is 2 cups sunflower seeds, 4 cups sprouted rye, 1 tsp minced onion, 1-1/2 tsp sea salt, and 1/3 cup caraway seeds.

But I use sprouted wheat instead and flax meal instead of the sunflower seeds. I can't remember if I use the full complement of caraway; usually I cut spices down.

The wheat takes 3-4 days to sprout. Then you just shape the dough into bagel shapes and dehydrate! They look and taste like bagels and can even be sliced. They even have a "crust" outside and a softer inside (depending on how long you dry them). It's important to get them not too thick and to make the hole large enough so air flows around.

But with mac nut cheese, a slice of tomato, and broccoli sprouts, they're a very filling meal!

[TeePee]

Peanut,

Check out for sure: Pure Juice and Takeaway (17th & Irving I think) it is the takeout for Pure Food and Wine. QUintessence. get the PIZZA!!! Same neighoborhood, I think 10th st?? These are in Union Square. Haven't been to, but heard that Caravan of Dreams is excellent too! Oh, you are going to have fun!!!

sprouted lentils- I think Cohen has a recipe for chicken fingers that uses sprouted lentils. I haven't tried it yet, but it is on my list, as soon as I remember to "sprout"!

When to Philly yesterday for Cinco de Mayo, with BF. Had an amazing salad at Cebu with mixed greens, green papaya, sweet onions, and a coconut dressing. Wow! Also made a great sadad for us before we left for the day to eat on the patio. butter lettuce, carrots, cukes, tomato, and a great dressing I whipped up, came out great!! Olive oil, lemon, garlic, fresh basil, bit of balsamic, agave, salt, pepper. Yum. and of course GUAC!! Oh, and leftover burger/steak mushroom experiment!!

It is early enough, that I think I will make the enchiladas( Cohen) today for tonight . I really need to get some bread or crusts of some sort in the dehydrator too, because I have nothing. Seeing all the people walking around Olde City yesterday with pizza made me crave it!!!

Res, good luck with your hair. Poor girl.

HealthBiz, would love to see Matt's shop. I ordered the box a few months ago and loved it. That is funny about the teflex hanging all over. The Exaliburs are all lined up on shelves on the walls at PUre Juice and Takeaway too. Funny. DOES ANYONE ELSE DESPISE WASHING TEFLEX SHEETS??? I usually fold in tubes and stick in a colander to dry. They drive me crazy!!

Okay, off to process and dirty some Teflex!! Have a great day everyone!!

[Sim]

My Friends~
(And I'm starting this message with that phrase because every single one of you accompanies me every day...when I'm out, I can't wait to come home and see what all of you have to say, whether for a laugh, information, recipes, commiseration, support or just plain wise-guy comments, you all are the best!)

I don't know if I'll be able to respond to everyone of the comments I've read over the last three pages (my, we've been busy communicating :) but I'll try:

RES~You have struck terror in my heart...your hair! MY HAIR!!! Same thing :eek: In just the last week, I've been horrified by what happens when I wash or brush my hair. Okay, I lost my thick hair after my first kid was born (a girl, not a goat :D ) and my mom has thin hair, so I figured it's genetic. But over the years, my hair has been thicker or thinner, depending on how many babies I was having or nursing (4 in 9 years, nursing each for a year) and I then I figured it was genetic and hormonal. So I began asking doctors and every one of them, including two well-respected dermatologists, told me it was genetic and hormonal. And stress...more than diet!!!! They said stress of the mind AND stress on the body causes hair loss. Now you and I (and everyone else here) also know that diet causes so many health issues that it's impossible to believe that our new hair loss isn't connected to Raw. BUT...maybe, just maybe, it's not Raw or loss of meat or cooked food that causing the hair thing to happen, maybe it IS bodily stress. Four years ago when this started to happen to me, I buzzed off my hair to 1/4 of an inch! Yes, I really did. Good thing my husband has a sense of humor. I kept it no longer than an inch for three years (and loved it, by the way...so easy!) and then decided to grow it, for a change. Well, now it's falling out. Time to cut it, I think. I'm also going to go to a Naturopath to have blood taken so she can analyze what I'm missing, if anything. Know what? I don't think it's Raw. I am eating such a more varied diet now than when I was on SAD that I doubt it's a lack of nutrients. But we'll see. I will definitely keep you posted, but there is no scarier moment than being in the shower and having a handful of hair in your fist. I'm upset for both of us, so I'll keep you informed about what the naturopath says.

Peanut~Yay! What better place for a Raw person to be than in the BIG APPLE. I am so corny. But it's organic, raw corny. Okay, I'll stop now. :D
Leave it to TeePee to let us know where we're meeting to eat! Pure Food and Wine seems heavenly...but bring your entire bank account with you. Quintessence has several locations, but only the original one in the Village is billed as the best because they make the food there and the other ones are satellites, and Caravan of Dreams is vegetarian but not all raw. Still, I hear it's fab. Yay! We're all going to meet!!

Kathy and Res~ Wait a minute, Mr. Mango has been living with ME! Triple timer!

HealthyBiz~ I'm so glad you went to RAWvolution and reported back to us...I really want to go and see his place but as you said, probably not the place for supplies. Very interesting about the dehydrator and your husband's allergies...who would have thought? But you salvaged the situation beautifully. Good for you!

Okay...so, the know-it-all me (not really; I'm always afraid I don't know anything, then it turns out that I really know more than most people who were just pretending to know it all...anyone ever have that happen?) has been reading all the posts and the thing that stands out most for me is the HUGE variety of foods that we're eating ON A DAILY BASIS. Whatever happened to mono meals? I think that what happens when one starts to eat raw is that we're trying to make sure we don't lack for anything, that we "fill up the holes" that we're afraid we might fall into by not eating pizza or burgers or whatever our previous faves were. So we buy tons of varieties of fruits and veggies and nuts, we dehydrate, concoct, and mix...and we eat ALL these things in short periods of time. If we look back over our posts and see how many different things we've said we've eaten for breakfast, lunch, and dinner ALL IN THE SAME DAY, we can see why our tummies might not feel so great. Kids~ we're eating too many things in the excitement of doing something new.

Yesterday, my daughter, the eldest who made my hair fall out for the first time (:rolleyes: ), on the spur of the moment brought two friends over who were "Raw-curious"...much discussion ensued and I provided a "catered" Raw lunch: gorgeous salad (mixed field greens and baby spinach, shredded carrots and parsnips, calamata olives, raw green peas, daikon, topped with strawberry slices) and a lemon-herb salad dressing. Then there was onion bread topped with Eggless Egg Salad, the Portabella Mushroom Herb-Encrusted Steak with a delicious cheeze that I improvised, topped with a veggie mixture of red peppers, peas, parsley,carrots grated fine. Looked GORGEOUS on top of the cheeze which was on top of each slice of "steak". Lunch was rounded out by a sushi roll made with romaine, toona, strips of red pepper, carrot, cukes, avocado, and sprouts. All of these were plated well and looked great. Dessert ( I was so tired...I pulled this together in one hour!) had to be simple because I wasn't really prepared, so it was just banana ice cream with MS and slivered almonds. Okay. Look at that list. That is way too many kinds of things to digest! Maybe if we're eating small amounts, it's okay. All I know is that for the past two days I've been keeping it really simple and I feel better. I'm still eating and eating healthfully, but I'm not putting ten things in my salad or in my smoothies; that doesn't mean I won't ever, but just like on a SAD diet, the gourmet experiments need to not be daily for my body.

Last News! I'm on the verge of signing up for culinary classes in California at the Living Light Institute. Anyone know anyone who's been there? I'm talking about a WHOLE LIFE CAREER CHANGE and I'm scared to death and excited like I haven't been since my first two days in the public school classroom. I'd really like to open a place where I can feed the body and educate the minds of people who'd like a healthier way to eat. California may be hopping with Raw places but CT is bare-naked in that respect. We have tons of ladies who go to the gym every day...what are they eating? And where? And the kids! I'd love to teach kids how to eat more raw. But the first step would be to learn more myself. Any thoughts? I value every one of you and your opinions and thoughts are very important to me.

Have a beautiful Sunday...I'm out to look at a new bike! (Well, a used bike, but new for me!)
Hugs to everyone!!

[peanutterb]

last night I was on www.happycow.net and they tell you about vegan, vegetarian and raw restaurants in cities and i was checking how far a bunch of them were from my job and saw Pure Juice and got really excited because it's maybe a mile away from my job, which is around Union Sq. So maybe one day if I don't pack lunch or feel like treating myself I'll order from there. Yipee.

Welcome back HealthyBiz! I saw you on last night and got a little excited.

Hope you all have a good day!

[Ginger]

OK ladies - I hate to break the news. Mr. Mango is toying with all of you. His heart belongs to Ginger.

Seriously, though I feel the same as all of you. I love visiting with my new friends. I look forward to dropping by and gossiping a bit, then continuing on my day.

PB - GLad to hear you made it safely to NYC. Good luck on Monday. And I'm jealous that the hot hook up spot is 6 hours from me. I may have to come up to visit. If anyone decides to visit DC, let me know. I work there.

Ya'll are making me nervous with the hair loss, though. I've watched my hair thin too, over the last 10 years. Hairstyles that used to look good on me are gone forever. And eight years ago I chopped my hair to about 1 inch. When I met my BF, he asked me to grow it out. It's quite long now. And a pain in the B***. I miss my cure short hair. I'm a redhead and get alot of compliments on the color. One thing I'll never understand though is the first thing people say to me..."Is that your natural color?"

I don't have Matt's book. I have Cohen's, Cornbleet's, Chavez' and Matthew Kenney and Sarma Meingailis. Is it worth getting with all the others I have? I've never even seen a picture of poor skinny Matt.

Healthy Biz and TeePee is the box worth the $100 it costs to have shipped?

TeePee - I'm sooo jealous. I wish I'd know about Cebu when I went to Philly last week.:( I love Phillipine cooking. When we went to Palau a couple years ago, we had a Phillipine chef. I haven't found any soups I've enjoyed so much since.

Sim - I think it's so cool what you're thinking about doing with your life. I've never been much of a cook. I love to eat, but am not much of a chef. I read how everyone here substututes and make up recipes and I'm just in awe. I have to go exactly by the printed recipe or risk failure.

You "guys" rock!!

[Res]

Healthybiz: Hi Hi! Welcome back! :D Oh Scones!! I forgot all about them!! brb Zoom>>>>>> Nice, warming up a few in the dehyrator. Thanks for mentioning it! lol They are so PRETTY! They're perfect. (Even my dog loves them!) I upped the amount of cranberries and upped the agave nectar by about 2 TBLS. Heavnely. :) The recipe says it makes 24 and I've only made half the recipe because it makes so much. What kind of "spoonful" do you use?


Great, now I HAVE to make Bagels...(:p to Kathy) ;) I like the way you switch the ingredients. It's so -- freeing! My new love, "The take home Chef" doesn't measure anything with cups. He just "feels" or "knows". I did that the other day and loved it. Any way to break the rules is fine with me. ;)


TeePee: After you mentioned Raw restaurants my envy caused me to Google Raw restaurants in my neighborhood (San Diego isn't known for it's Raw Cuisine) and we actually have a handful of places and even one down the street. I'm hoping the listing is still accurate! Nice - thanks! lol :D


Wow Sim! Right on as usual. :) Yeah, the hair thing is horrifying and I'm not ready for this so I'm doing what I can to "accept" it with a hat waiting in the wings. If it comes to that, I'll cut my hair too. That cracked me up that you cut it that short but I completely understand - I've thought of doing the same thing. ;)

You're onto something about the variety of food. Remember when our babies were little and the Pediatrician and gazzillions of books said to "introduce new foods slowly"? Yeah, well there ya go. I've never eaten so many seeds and nuts. I still think it's better than how I was eating - Absolutely! So the weird things are to be expected. Daikon? I think I've seen it in the store...it's white and a root?

I have no idea the actual root (no pun intended) of the problem with the hair. Stress was one of the things the Dermatologist stated was at the top of the list for hair loss. I'm not sure if EFT is going to help with that (Kathy?). Most likely it will get to the root (:rolleyes: ) of the stress. I bought the DVD's from Kathy :) and have watched about 40 minutes of the first one and I'm loving the theory behind it all. So whether or not it helps the hair grow back I'm looking forward to figuring out how to deal with life's stress in a healthy manner and getting rid of it? Woo hoo!

There's SO much of life to be lived and who wants to go through it being pathetic? ;)

Love the idea of you taking the class and the Career change! That's awesome!! Let us know if you take the leap. You'd be GREAT! :D
Well, off to make a new raised bed in the garden.

Love to everyone!
~Res

[Res]

Mr. Mango: Are you kidding?? :eek: He's 5 timing us!! Unbelievable...how typical of a mango. :rolleyes: I wonder who he's with in this picture?

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/100/300153227_d8d843cb3d_m.jpg

;)

[mtmouse]

Res,

You may be under a lot of stress, but it's clear you have too much time on your hands, LOL!

[Res]

LOL! I wish! Ahem!, That picture is off of the Internet. :o

subliminal message: make scones, make scones, make scones

[peanutterb]

LOL @ the subliminal messages

Res - Raw restaurants in San Diego:
- Cilantro Live: 315 1/2 3rd Ave, 91910
- Ocean Beach People's Natural Foods co-op: 4765 Voltaire St 92107
http://www.happycow.net/north_america/usa/california/san_diego/index.html

I'm doing really good with moderation. Breakfast, which for me, the slowest eater alive, lasts anywhere from 1 to 3 hours, was two apples, 3 almonds,

an inch of a Perfect Food Whole Food Greens Bar (which is actually green)
http://www.choicenutritionals.com/images/LivingFoodsBar_PerfectFoodreallysmall.jpg
http://www.gardenoflifeusa.com (http://www.gardenoflifeusa.com/detail_food_bars.shtml)


and a nibble of a chocolate hazelnut raw bar
http://ionizedwater.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/media/hazelnut_chocolate.jpg
http://rawindulgence.com (http://rawindulgence.com/onlinestore/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=1)

and a sliver of dried papaya and mango.


My stomach is feeling good and so am I. I just took my supplements and finished off another litre of water and I'm happy. Just gotta walk to the market later to get some papaya and all is right with the world.

I'm more excited about packing my new lunch kit
http://losbrushes.com/blog/wp-content/photos/lunches.jpg
(mine came without the food)
www.laptoplunches.com (http://www.laptoplunches.com) for work tomorrow than I am about work itself. :D

[Ginger]

Res,

You may be under a lot of stress, but it's clear you have too much time on your hands, LOL!

Too right Kathy!! :D

Just sittin' here sippin' a pineapple/coconut smoothie. Mmmmm.

Just found this link for a raw festival in Arizona :

http://www.rawspiritfest.com/index.php

[Sim]

GingerI have red hair, too (what's left of it) and people always ask if it's real. The answer is no, of course not. I am not that lucky. But it sure is fun!

Oooh, that Mr. Mango. Wait until I get my mouth on him :mad: I can leave you all with Mr. Papaya but Mango is another story.

Peanut Love the lunchbox...is there a compartment for Mr. Mango so that you can keep an eye on him at all times?

Res I have misplaced my scones recipe because I was afraid I'd never stop eating them once I start making them. Is it in the Recipe Box? I think it was posted here, early on, but I've forgotten, like the poor bag of lemons that I just found sitting on the floor of my garage that I meant to bring inside the house two days ago. I guess my subconscious didn't want Mr. M to get jealous.

And yes, I do remember those pediatricians with the "introduce new foods slowly" advice. And you know what? They were right.

Onward and upward, have to go outside and re-try another bike. And oh! I'm jealous...I should be starting my raised bed garden but it's number 5 on the list and I won't get to it today, even though it's such a perfect day for it. Happy gardening!

[Res]

Oat Groats: Are they supposed to taste, look and have the texture of spackle?

This is my first oat "groats" experience. Boutenko says mix 1 cup soaked oak groats with 1/4 cup water and blend. Then add 4 dates blend. Then eat with fruit/berries. I'm wondering if this is an acquired taste? :)

[Res]

Peanut: What a cool lunch kit! :) So glad to hear you're feeling better. Yay! :D

[peanutterb]

Res nothing about "oat groats" sounds delicious.

Sim - i don't eat mangoes here. I grew up in the caribbean with 6 mango trees of 3 different varieties and the mangoes here taste like feet in comparison. So no worries about me and Mr Mango having a tryst :p

Red hair - i love love love red hair. Natural or not. I used to dye my hair reddish because 3 of my aunts have red hair and I was jealous. But then I got over it. it's enough that I have freckles.

[mtmouse]

Oat Groats: Are they supposed to taste, look and have the texture of spackle?

This is my first oat "groats" experience. Boutenko says mix 1 cup soaked oak groats with 1/4 cup water and blend. Then add 4 dates blend. Then eat with fruit/berries. I'm wondering if this is an acquired taste? :)


You got it! :D :D :D

I don't like whole oat groats as much as I like steel-cut oats for soaking and then eating. However, for soaking, blending, and then eating, I think they work fine. (I used Cornbleet's suggestion of blending with an apple and then added agave, but the concept is the same, it seems.)

[TeePee]

hey girls!

Been "cooking" all day!! have pesto stuffed mushmoom caps, enchiladas, and pizza bread in the DH (all Cohen) Plus Igor's crackers fermenting on counter to DH tomorrow. Even put BF to work. He stemmed, washed, and stuffed the mushrooms. He is the one who loves them!! Then I gave him coconut water for his headache.

You guys are the best!! What a great little raw family we have become!!!

MR. MANGO IS IN MY SALSA!!! :eek: I added some mango to my salsa to put on the enchiladas later! I remember have a bought version years ago that my ex-husband and I almost murdered each other over!!!

[Ginger]

Whoo-Whoo Redheads and former redheads ( natural and enhanced) Rock!!

I've had the strangest thing happen. The skin on my fingertips has become dry and cracked, and is literally peeling off. Think it has anything do with detox?

[happyhappyjoyjoy]

Hey Yall,

Been trying to eat better since my cleanse but I am not an angel about it.. Its like when I started my first attempt at the MC, I didnt have it figured out yet and didnt know what to expect so I didnt have my "plans" laid out. Which is one of my problems with my self diagnosed OCD. Which I am trying to Cleanse too.
When I reentered the MC realm for my full 10 days. I had the plans laid out..Tried not to but I did. It was like I completed my 10 day goal but I overly planned it to where I planned my trip back to the SAD diet. My choices are by far healthier but I isnt no comparison to what you all are doing here.
I have been reading posts every evening and I envy what you guys are doing so much, Hopefully I will plan it better next time..haha oh cause I know I will..
July 6th...next MC.....going for longer....sooooo excited!

Overall, My 10 days was just what I needed. I feel so good still...if I wasnt so tired right now you know id be bouncin around this little box. I miss all of ya! ((((hugs))))

[Sim]

Res~Oat groats tasting icky? I don't get it. I love oat groats...I soak 'em overnight, rinse and soak again until bedtime...then I rinse and let them sit overnight to sprout a bit. Then they're ready. I like them whole, with chopped apples, almonds, vanilla, maple syrup, salt...and if I have it, almond milk. If not, a little water is just fine. I think this is in Cornbleet's book. Spackle? Of course, I haven't ground it up but...And this is the third recipe of Boutenko's that I've either heard about or tried that hasn't come out very deliciously...what's up with that?

Go redheads! We always catch everyone's attention, whether it's long red or short red. :)

Ginger~ Have you been using a lot of citrus? That could cause weird fingertips. Are your hands in water a lot? If the answer is "no" to either of those two things, we have a true mystery. I suppose anything could be de-tox, but that would lead us to wonder what kinds of "bad" things your fingertips have been involved in...:D

TeePee~ You just reminded me! I made mango salsa last night with jalapeños, pineapple, red onion, red pepper, tomatoes, lime, and salt. Mmmmm. And I got so fed up with Mr. Mango's cheating that I cut him and all of his kind up into pieces and stuck him in the fridge. Don't tell the Dexter and the Miami PD. (I hope you all know "Dexter" on Showtime...funky show about a CSI who specialized in blood analysis who happens to be a serial killer in his free time...black humor to be sure.)

Peanutterb~ You lucky thing! Mangoes from the Caribbean, Mexico, and the Middle East taste like nothing we get here, but beggars can't be choosers!

Have a great day everyone :)

[Res]

Hi Buddies:

This is a quickie. :) Yeah, oat groats mixed in a blender with 1/4 cup of water = paste. I even added Mr Mango but he was gone quick! So then I chopped up and added an apple. It helped me finish it but it still isn't something that I would do again. That's ok though I'm learning.

Dinner last night was a great salad with shredded Yams, tomatoes, sunflower seeds, onions, garlic and red pepper. :)

Breakfast was scones. I love those things and Healthybiz, YES, not chopping the cranberries is the best! :D

Sim: The oat groats wasn't Cornbleet, it was 12 Steps to Raw by Boutenko. And since this is the same book the scones came from I'm guessing the groats is something that has to grow on ya. :)

Happy:We're all at different stages of things so don't beat yourself up. Keep walking and you'll get to where you want to be. :)

TeePee: Your food sounds great. I'm going to try the enchilada's. I read somewhere that most families cycle through about 8 different meals like, spaghetti, taco's, some sort of casserole, chicken etc. I think what I'm doing in all my experimentation is trying to find my "meals", the things that I eat regularly. I believe it will take time and trial and error. It's a fun process. :)

Kathy: In the future I think I'll just stick to the Irish Steel cut oats I normally eat. There has to be something I can do with the oat groats though. Have you ever had an oatcake? Mmm, English Oatcakes are the bomb. :) I might be able to dehydrate the groats and turn them into oat cakes.

So much for my quickie. Gotta go.

Love to all my Buddies!
~Res

[mtmouse]

Well, when you think of it, oatmeal is a paste too. My oat groat oatmeal never really gets to a paste in the food processor.

Speaking of which, does a Vitamix actually process soaked flax seeds? Again, my food processor doesn't really touch them. They look pretty in my rosemary crackers, but I'm wondering how it would be if they actually got chopped up.

Do experiment with the oat cake idea and let us know what you come up with. Never had one, but it sounds good!

Speaking of which, someone's question about my sprouted wheat bagels got me thinking. The last couple of times I've had them, they've seemed really thick and heavy (prompting me to slice them in half and only eat half). Maybe my love affair with grains is dying down.

BUT, I think now I'm going to try an onion-garlic blend and spread it thin and see if I can get a cracker out of it. If I can, it wouldn't have either nuts or fruit (or fat) in it and might be an interesting change. My onion "bread" is feeling too greasy to me lately too.

So on to experimentation!

Gotta run now.

[Res]

Kathy: Here's what the Vitamix does to the Flax seeds (does the processor do this too?) it turns the flax seeds into this amazing fluffy mush - KIND of like Marshmallow creme except more bouncy. lol It's not easy explaining it. So the seeds do get mashed. :)


Top 7 Keys to Motivation for Exercise: (http://top7business.com/?Top-7-Keys-To-Motivation-For-Exercise%21&id=460) I'm not sure if anyone else needs this but I do. I'm hoping EFT will get me going. :) I'm sure there are better links out there but I was browsing this morning and found the above link.

Gotta exercise! :)

Love,
~Res

[mtmouse]

Hi Res,

I get a little bit of fluffiness when I process the flax seeds, but I've always processed them with almonds, and some of that fluff may come from the almonds. I suppose some of the flax is being processed. But I'd say a good 90% at least is still very obviously whole seeds.

Same with the oats. BTW, I don't add water to mine. I rinse and drain them, then process them with the apple (and today added some watermelon) and a little agave and sometimes a few nuts, but otherwise no water. I wonder if your water made it pastier.

I still want a Vitamix!

[Res]

I'm fairly convinced that the "Fluffy" concoction is the flax seeds. It just rolls right out of the Vitamix and plops. I use the darker flax seeds so it's a caramel colored fluff. I KNOW what it reminds me of! Have you ever made caramel corn with the syrup stuff on the stove? And when you add the baking soda it foams and grows out of the pan? That's what it's like. :)

[mtmouse]

Well, that ain't what it looks like coming out of the processor! :)

When I slide them out of their soaking jar they look like a big mass of glistening flax seeds. When I'm done processing them they look like a big mass of glistening flax seeds held together by a thin white film.

Waaaaaaaaaaaaah! I want my Vitamix!

[peanutterb]

i almost ate something cooked today. partially out of desparation, mostly our of general annoyance and self sabotage.

gone to bed. tomorrow is a new day.

[mtmouse]

Sounds like you saved the day, though, PB!

Are you doing the raw challenge now? If so, I salute you!

[eurekam]

Hi everyone:)

My sister was visiting us so I had mini-vacation after breaking MC.
It was really hard to have raw with big meat-eater sisster, but I was almost 75% raw during vacation, and 100% vegan.

2 weeks and days after my first 21days MC, I'm trying to be raw-vegan for weeks(well, as long as possible) - not 100%, but close to there. And I have no problem so far, except "eating too much of food".
I'm always hungry. Having meals and snacks and snacks and snacks...every 2 hours. I buy 2 lbs of bananas every single day(but share with kids), home-made raw treats are always zip-locked and tossed in my bag and I finish all of them before 6pm.
IS IT TRUE ??? that raw food is digested in half hour so this hunger is common.
I believe I can controll my hunger because I finished 21 days MC with hunger.
But...I'm always seeking something "edible" for me. And I've just finished escarole slaw in fridge.


Anyway, raw "cook"ing is fun for me.
I always think about new recipe for "baking" with dehydrator.
And sprouting is also fun! It reminds me when I was pregnant:p
THEY ARE TOO CUTE TO EAT!!!!

[pseudovegan]

I've read through some of this thread (up an hour EARLY and the SWF has STILL not kicked in :rolleyes: ) and... you people amaze me :)

I considered going raw after I am done with my first MC (on Day 8, finishing day undecided at this point), however, two big flavor factors would be eliminated due to allergy. I'm allergic to raw only members of the Allium family: onions, garlics, leeks, etc. I can eat them just fine cooked but raw turns me all kinds of sick: painful, bloated stomach, headache, neckache... it's weird and it just developed a couple of summers ago out of no where.

At any rate, it's getting to be Farmer's Market season here in Colorado (and other places, I'm sure), so I'm just going to be as raw as I can be. I'm way excited to try that walnut Toono recipe I read from peanutterb's post. I'm also going to try and make what I can (without a dehydrator or Vitamix) in the recipe forum (which I haven't been able to check out yet--too tempting!). Anyway... I had some extra time this morning and figured I'd see what the hype is about. Happy raw eating, everyone :)

[peanutterb]

Ok I'm up and going today. Tired still. Had an incredibly long day yesterday. Walking miles (with a laptop the weight of a small child) and getting lost etc. I wanted to have something cooked as a treat and as a way of sabotaging myself, as I tend to do when I'm upset, but I didn't. Instead, I found two different raw granolas, one I like better than the other.
the one i really like http://bakingforhealth.com/living-granola.html
the one that's ok http://www.goraw.com/products/product.php?productid=2&cat=4&page=1

i did kinda sabotage myself by eating something so heavy after 9 pm but thankfully my stomach didn't act out.

Anyway, yes mtmouse of course I'm doing raw. I signed up for 2 wks after my cleanse and I am a woman of my word.

Have a great day everyone.
I gotta leave for the endless subway ride in a bit.
besos

[Ginger]

Good morning. everyone. Raw challenge is going well. Hee Hee...all one day of it. I'm jealous of you four weekers.

My fingers are a mess. All dried up. Four have peeled terribly and are raw (just like me LOL :D ) It hurts to touch anything. I've also got a dry raw spot on my mouth (not a cold sore). So weird. Sim - I'm using less sitrus than I did not the MC. I don't know what's causing this. Oh well. I'm just using alot of moisterizer. I doesn't so much though.

I haven't had time this week to do much fod prep. So, I'm eating mostly veggies and salads. Gotta fire up what's left of my dehydrator this weekend and get some goodies prepared. I just read a review on Matt's book and think I may buy it. But, I've also gotta get a dehydrator. I just found "Zing Farm" which is one town over from me. I may order it from them (so I get it faster).

HAve a great day ya'll.

[mtmouse]

I considered going raw after I am done with my first MC (on Day 8, finishing day undecided at this point), however, two big flavor factors would be eliminated due to allergy. I'm allergic to raw only members of the Allium family: onions, garlics, leeks, etc. I can eat them just fine cooked but raw turns me all kinds of sick: painful, bloated stomach, headache, neckache... it's weird and it just developed a couple of summers ago out of no where.

Hi pseudovegan,

Welcome, and kudos to you for thinking of trying new approaches to your eating after your cleanse!

There are several things you can try for that condition.

First, you could simply avoid them. There's nothing in eating raw that says you have to have those foods.

Second, you could also try dicing the foods and soaking them in ice water for 15 minutes. Someone on the recipe page suggested that for a recipe, saying it takes the "sting" out. It might also stop your other reactions.

Third, you could [warning: blatant plug ahead, LOL!] try EFT for your sensitivity. (See my website.) You may be able to eliminate it entirely.

And of course, you could always continue to cook them if you so chose! :)

[Res]

Kathy, you'll get your Vitamix. lol :)

Peanut: Sounds like perseverance won. Way to go! :) How's the new job?

eurekam: Not sure if it's true or not. It would be 100% true if it had to do with raw juices. I'm leaning more towards "eating habits" just based on my own eating. It's lovely though eating raw. :)

psuedo: The cool thing about eating raw is you adjust it to what YOU like. It's not like drinking only lemonade on the cleanse. You have "other" choices ;) eating raw and you're not tied down to a menu.

We do a lot of ingredient revisions to the recipes, based on what we have on hand or do or don't like. That makes it really nice.

Right now Boutenko's Scones are at the top of my list. I made a full batch yesterday and tweaked it a bit. The house smelled like wonderful cinnamon rolls baking in the oven.

Then Cornbleet's "Not Tuna" is my favorite over the Toona. I've tried both and prefer this one so it's just a matter of taste. We try what each other suggests too and that's fun. :)

This thread has only touched the tip of the iceburg. And as usual it's a great group of people.

High Fives to everyone. Whether you're all raw or partly is fine. :) This is a safe place to come and share where you are, what you're doing and what you're eating!! ;)

Love,
~Res

[Res]

I checked my calendar and if I included the Saturday that I got food poisoning today would be Day 25, but I won't so that makes it Day 24 of being completely RAW. ;) And that means it's Day 26 for you, right Kathy? :D

[mtmouse]

Yep!

And I even remembered to change my signature line this morning, too! :D

[peanutterb]

I've been meaning to ask you guys for ideas on what to do with banana and almond butter bc i've been wanting a sandwich - then i saw this online
Ingredients:


2 lettuce leaves
1 banana
2 generous tsp. almond or pumpkinseed butter (or desired amount) Instructions:

Spread nut/seed butter onto each of the lettuce leaves. Cut the banana in half and place it in the center of the buttered leaf. Swaddle the banana in the leafy "blanket" and serve.
Variation: Sprinkle in some soaked sunflower seeds

and i guess now i can buy some of the raw crackers etc from whole foods i saw last night and try it with that.
The site had other good recipes too - http://www.vegetarianbaby.com/recipes.shtml

I'd still like other ideas though. I wanted recipes ideas for something else too, but I forget...

Oh! I got a mango last night. tried it today with my lunch, lettuce wraps with guac, sprout and mango. the mango was far from delicious. i was reminded yet again why i should only stick to mangoes i know. No foreign mangos for me.

works been keeping me busy. i like it alot. Thanks for asking.

[TeePee]

Way to "cowboy up" and stick with the raw, peanut!!!

If you make plain crackers ( I think I modified some recipe and the basics were ground flax-not soaked- and ground up almonds. Add some water and salt I think) they are great to put almond butter and bananas. Or almond butter and maple syrup tastes like a pancake!! Or almond butter, banana AND maple syrup. But I don't like all three together as well! OOOH, I know strawberry, banana and MS would rule on this cracker!! Okay, I am getting delirious from the crazy stress from work this week!!:confused:

great going girls!!! Now you are almost to 30 days!! Look how fast that went!!! AND FUN!! Now you know you can do it!!!:D

[ummi412]

I will take you up on that offer when i am done the 10 day MC.....This is my first day.

[Res]

Oh! I got a mango last night - Peanut Of course you did. He's easy... :rolleyes:

[Res]

ummi: We look forward to having you join us in 10 days. :)


Day 25 of being completely raw. I had a hankering for cooked food today. The odd thing is - it wasn't anything in particular.

Breakfast: Cranberry Scones (I'm addicted)

Lunch: Small serving of Cornbleet's "Not Tuna" with red bell pepper, celery and I stuffed it in a Roma Tomato. Yum

Dinner: The veggie spread with not rosemary crackers, watermelon and Mr. Mango. ;)

Roll Call: How's everyone doing?

Whadidya eat today?

Love,
~Res

[peanutterb]

i've gone overboard today.:( but i don't feel completely icky, i gave myself a good talking to and it's early in the day so it shouldn't keep me up all night.

today i've had
breakfast: 2 bananas, a raw granola bar and a half of a cashew cookie larabar
lunch: a little bit of cauliflower and guac (my new fav), a little bit of a raw asian slaw type salad and a raw crunchy sprouts salad, both from wholefoods, that were sub par though they may have been old seeing as I got them last night.
snacks: 1/4 of a fresh papaya, lots of nuts (cashews, pistachios, walnuts, pecans, almonds), dried apple and dried papaya and dried banana (my newest obsession though I'm not sure it's raw) - i don't even remember what else - raisins, craisins, dates... piece of a chocolate and cashew raw bar... a apple date bite... a million things i can't even count now - i donno, i was just stuffing my face and i was so annoyed with myself.

I have taken 3 walks so far today which have been great. and I've been drinking alot of water. and i've had 3 bms today. so i'm not dying or anything, I'm more so just annoyed with myself. but i think i'm going thru detox or some kinda of emotional upheaval because i'm craving crunchy things like tortilla chips and stuff that's hard (even tho my jaws hurt)

compare today's menu to previous mondays -
breakfast: 2 apples and a pear
lunch: cauliflower tabouli wraps with sprouted beans
dinner: cauliflower, celery and cucumber dipped in guac
snacks: dried papaya, almonds

My plan which was going well - is to not eat after 9 and to not have nuts after 7. I'm at work til 7 ir 8 so pretty much when i get home i should be having fruits or nothing at all. Tomorrow I'll get back on track.

I'm a little bothered and want to know what's going on you know. been feeling kinda weird for the latter part of today. emotionally and of course physically (with all the food in my belly) :confused:

[Ginger]

Of course you did. He's easy... :rolleyes:

Too funny Res.

A great day today. I think it was Kathy who said that we digest raw foods much quicker. Must be true. I'm always hungry...but in a good way.

This morning - a smoothie with oj, strawberries and ginger. Yummy

Then fresh pineapple. It was so sweet.

Lunch was a huge marinated portobello with avacado, sprouts, toona and tomato. I just love those.

A nice salad later.

Dinner was a salad soup that I found on PB's blog.

Now, I'm eating a bit of heaven. Here's the recipe:

Macadamia Pudding

1 cup macadamias
1 cup pitted dates
1 cup water

blend till smooth.


It's so rich and sweet!

I do have a dilemma. On Mother's Day, my daughter wants me to come to her house for Maryland Crabs. She and her fiance are doing this for his mother and I. That screws up the challenge, but my baby girl would be so hurt if I didn't go. She was my Mother's Day present 30 years ago, and we have always bonded over crabs.

[mtmouse]

I think it was Kathy who said that we digest raw foods much quicker. Must be true. I'm always hungry...but in a good way.

Macadamia Pudding

That screws up the challenge, but my baby girl would be so hurt if I didn't go. She was my Mother's Day present 30 years ago, and we have always bonded over crabs.

I know I talk a lot, but I didn't say that! :)

Ever the impressionable young thing, I went right over and started Macadamia Nut Pudding. However, my mac nuts are frozen, so I'm letting them thaw for a while before blending. And I've just brushed my teeth, so I probably won't taste it until tomorrow!

And of course you will go to your daughter's party. Whether you decide you must have crabs to cement the bond will be your decision. I'm sure you could bond over the smell of crabs--and I'm sure your body would also handle one non-raw meal a year just fine! :)

[Sim]

Hi Kids~Just keeping up with you guys is exhausting!!!
I LOVE reading your posts...such ideas!

Peanut~Of course you're feeling icky...you've just moved your life to NYC, left your boyfriend to come to the big city and you're doing a food challenge that's, well, very challenging. I think you're terrific. Don't let this stuff get the better of you. Sabotaging our daily intake is a way of thinking that we're in control. Sort of like, "Oh yeah? Well, I'll show you, my fine body, that I can eat whatever and whenever I want!" Except that it makes us feel badly because that kind of inner voice means we're not in control at all. You've just moved! That's hard enough. You're separated from your sweetheart! Oooohh, awful. And you're doing a food challenge....the icing on the cake (so to speak :rolleyes: ) Give yourself a break and cut yourself some slack. I think you're heroic for seizing all these adventures. It'll get better.

Ginger~Of course you have to go visit your daughter and if you eat crabs, so what? The world won't come to an end. And if you don't eat the crabs, will you still have the best time with her? If yes, then don't eat. And if no, then eat and be merry. We still love you :)

I will be lurking around here although not eating, my friends, for the next 40 days because right now I am having my first cup of lax tea since January. Yes, my second 40-day cleanse has begun...I forgot how much I actually like the lax tea. I'm so weird!

Just remember...I'm lurking.....:D

[mtmouse]

I will be lurking around here although not eating, my friends, for the next 40 days because right now I am having my first cup of lax tea since January. Yes, my second 40-day cleanse has begun...I forgot how much I actually like the lax tea. I'm so weird!

Just remember...I'm lurking.....:D

Oh Sim,

You are amazing! When you're done you'll probably weigh 65! :eek:

And do you know what? If you go your full 40 we'll definitely be overlapping, and possibly be coming off at about the same time! I plan to start in mid-June when DH goes off on a trip. I expect I'll do 10 days, but who knows if longer will call me?

Have a wonderful cleanse, and I'm sure everyone graced with your presence on the other boards will be the better for it!

!!!!!!Smooch!!!!!!!

[Ginger]

(((((Sim))))) What ever will we do without you?

[Sim]

Ginger~ Remember...I'm lurking....muhwahahahahah :D
If you or anyone needs me, just shout out!

Kathy~thank you, thank you...what a good life coach you are! And all smooches are welcome :)

Be strong, my lovelies. We can do this with ease!

[peanutterb]

Feeling better today. :D

Sim - thanks so much for the rational reminder. you're so right. and i am ok. I didn't eat again after my 4pm binge (i really wasn't hungry) and today I'm starting off right and feeling much better.
Enjoy your cleanse.

Gotta get to the General Check in thread and oh, yeah, work.

[Res]

I do have a dilemma. On Mother's Day, my daughter wants me to come to her house for Maryland Crabs. She and her fiance are doing this for his mother and I. That screws up the challenge, but my baby girl would be so hurt if I didn't go. She was my Mother's Day present 30 years ago, and we have always bonded over crabs.

I'm in agreement with everyone on this. Although it's being called the raw "challenge" it's not supposed to be a heavy weight on our shoulders. This is supposed to be fun and freeing. I love the "bonding" comment. :) Family is what it's all about.

Sim: As you "pop" in, keep us posted on how you're doing on the cleanse. :)


mmm, Macadamia pudding...

[peanutterb]

I poop like it's my job. lol

~funny story of how i wasn't comfortable going in my job's bathroom so for the first two days i went to other places, including the mattel headquarters (by accident, thought it was open to the public) and old navy and misc restaurants. hilarious. it's just that the office here is small and the bathroom is right off the kitchen so it makes me self conscious. but i think i'm over it now. i've gone in it twice so far. ~

I have been doing good today.
Until I got these raw rosemary crackers from whole foods (available on www.oneluckyduck.com (http://www.oneluckyduck.com)) to have with lunch.
Like I said - I consistently crave crunchy and these are savory and crunchy and surprisingly delicious. almost like tortilla chips.
there were also chocolate macaroons, grawnola and cocoa krispies i'll have to try another time.
I'm going to have to go brush my teeth and get the taste out of my mouth so I can stop munching on them.

Breakfast: 1 banana, piece of fresh papaya, some raw trail mix with dried papaya
Lunch: lettuce, cucumber, grape tomatoes, mushrooms and cauliflower in guac with some rosemary crackers.

[mtmouse]

Well, I can confirm that Macadamia Nut Pudding is delicious on fruit for breakfast!

And it ain't bad with TeePee's chocolate sauce, either! :D

Mine, of course, never got completely creamy since I have only a weenie blender and not a Vitamix, but even so it's reeeeeeeeeeeally nice!

[Res]

Good thing I'm out of dates... :o

I hope everyone is doing well.

[Sim]

I hope everyone is doing well.

Well Res....mostly. I WANT MR. MANGO BACK EVEN THOUGH HE'S A CHEATER!

Actually, my first day went well...no problem. I was exceptionally tired though, due to late nights, not cleansing. The hardest part was my swf...I had forgotten that I used to pretend I was drinking chicken broth in order to not be disgusted. Too bad I didn't remember that until my last two gulps. Oh! But those last two were delicious Not-chicken broth! Just had my lax tea and I feel composed and ready to sleep. Can't wait for "breakfast". Ick. And I'm turning green with envy (although not as green as Ireland) that you're all playing with your food and I'm not included. Aw heck, I only have 39 more days...anyone can do that ;)

All the other threads combined are not as much fun as all of you right here :D

[Ginger]

Thanks for the help Res, Kathy and Sim. I'll just eat a crab or two and suffer. :D If you've never had them, Maryland Crabs are the best.

Kathy - That will be my breakfast tomorrow. Macadamia nut pudding and Raw Cereal. MMMMMmmmmmm.

[pseudovegan]

I went back and read the replies to my posts... thanks, all :) The thing is... I LOVE onions and garlic (when cooked)... they are so tasty. Though I read on RawFoodExplained.com that they're not "good" for the body. So... what gives?

Can someone or a few of you post a typical day's "menu"? I know peanutterb has and it's helped to an extent. However, I don't have a dehydrator or a high-power blender (but now this thread has me eyeing those Vitamixers!), so it would be... chunky purees at best and then just fruits/veggies.

I'm not promising to go raw totally but I'm definitely going to make it a priority to go as raw as possible (with my schedule and whatnot). I'm also uber-excited to make this raw lasagna recipe I found that seems easy enough (no major equipment or time required) and that Toono-stuff... ay but alas I have two more days of Cleanse and then weening back onto foods so... it's still going to be a little bit before I can chow down on some homemade guac with carrots and bell peppers... /DROOL!

[Sim]

Hi Pseudovegan~ My, we're meeting all over the place! :D
You don't need a high-powered blender, just a regular one. Sure, it would be nice, but the lack of one shouldn't hold you back. And a dehydrator is something you can get down the road if you decide raw is your preferred option because it really gives you things to chomp on. You asked about daily diet menus. Here's a typical one of mine:
Breakfast: green smoothie, made in a regular blender. My favorite is mango and parsley, but any greens(collards, kale, even romaine) and any fruit (mango, pineapple, apple, peaches, pears, nectarines) will do. If I get "hungry" after the smoothie (not likely), I'll just eat a bit more fruit.

Lunches and dinners are interchangeable for me; sometimes I feel like eating more in the day and have the same foods for dinner that I might have had for lunch but in smaller quantity. And sometimes, there's not much time for a substantial lunch, so I have a little salad and then eat more for dinner. My faves, that don't include a dehydrator: any nut paté (made in a Cuisinart or even the blender), or zucchini hummus or cheeze on a bed of salad greens with a yummy dressing, a nori roll made with mellow white miso and a bit of the above mentioned spreads with veggies and sprouts inside, "tacos" (made with walnut meat and collard greens), any kind of soup (blender made...excellent and easy), and any spread (like Not Tuna or Eggless Egg Salad) inside of half a red pepper or a large tomato.

Hope this helps!

[peanutterb]

hey pseudovegan - i don't have a dehydrator or high powered blender - got mine from walmart. and i do great. i recently got a food processor but that's not even that necessary. check out the recipes in my blog if you haven't already, they are all very simple and most of them i've made.

right now, since i don't have a kitchen, my menu is super simple - guacamole, fresh fruits, salads, cut up veggies and raw nuts and dried fruit.
I post my daily menu so check back in previous posts if you haven't already.

being raw is really not as hard as it sounds. It's so easy to grab an apple and go and you can find salads everywhere. I use guac as dressing or just lemon juice and salt or evoo and braggs amino acids.

so far for breakfast I've had a banana and some watermelon. For the rest of the day I've got some salad with cucumbers, mushrooms and craisins. guacamole, raw almonds and banana chips. I'm not too sure the banana chips are raw but i'm willing to take the risk. :p

Being raw is so easy and I feel so good I am actually planning to continue thru next week (even tho I originally only signed up for 2 weeks) but I do plan to have olives and the occasional not raw thing, maybe like tortilla chips, which i've been craving - tho I admit, expensive as ever, those raw rosemary crackers are an awesome substitute.

[Res]

I LOVE onions and garlic (when cooked)... they are so tasty. Though I read on RawFoodExplained.com that they're not "good" for the body. So... what gives?
That's a new one to me and I'll go down fighting over it. :mad:


Onions:

Health Benefits


Onions, like garlic, are members of the Allium family, and both are rich in powerful sulfur-containing compounds that are responsible for their pungent odors and for many of their health-promoting effects. Onions contain allyl propyl disulphide, while garlic is rich in allicin, diallyl disulphide, diallyl trisulfide and others. In addition, onions are very rich in chromium, a trace mineral that helps cells respond to insulin, plus vitamin C, and numerous flavonoids, most notably, quercitin.

Blood Sugar-Lowering Effects
Cardiovascular Benefits
Support Gastrointestinal Health
Onion and Garlic Protective against Many Cancers
Boost Bone Health
Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Bacterial ActivityClick here to fill in the blanks (http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=45) There's more on each bulleted option.

Boy! Talk about a subject to light me up like a firework! And you don't even want to hear me defend GARLIC! ;)

http://www.whfoods.com/images/food/garlic.jpg

Love,
~Res

[Res]

We're bbq'ing at work today. It's a beautiful day and there's mobs of food. The grill is hot and you can smell the dogs and burgers wafting into the building. Everyone is in a great mood, laughing, joking and lots of interaction because, well, it's PayDay Friday and BBQ day.

They picked up a bunch of "vegan veggie burgers" for those of us not eating meat. I grabbed one after filling my plate with fresh green salad and a massive quantity of strawberries, pineapple, grapes and cantalope. I even took a bunch of olives from an olive salad and a few onions and grape tomatoes.

Thankfully the fresh stuff was there. I read the "veggie burger" label after putting one on my plate and EGADs!! :eek: I realized then and there that I wouldn't be eating the burger (I took mine thawed but not cooked). I did take a small bite because I've never had one and wanted to see what it was like, texture, taste etc. I rolled it around in my mouth and decided no swallowing. No way was this going down my throat. It was like putting solid grease with a tiny bit of texture into my mouth. What's wrong with these veggie burger makers? I kept thinking, "YOU'VE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME"... :rolleyes: I honestly would've been better off eating the beef. The list of ingredients in the Veggie burgers is LONG and disgusting. There are ALL KINDS OF BAD oils probably used to hold the mound together. How disappointing.

Since this is my first date with a veggie burger - are they all as bad as that? I'll bet Matt makes a mean veggie burger. I'd like to find a recipe that has nothing to do with nuts or seeds but clearly and truly Veggie Burger.

Nice review, huh? ;)

Love,
~Res

[TeePee]

Thanks, Peanut, you just cost me over $60!!! I saw your post on the rosemary crackers and grawnola. Well, I had to hit oneluckyduck.com and place my order. They will be here Mon. I literally survived raw thanks to those two things!!! I have made the grawnola myself since, but it really is sooo much nicer to have it delivered on my doorstep!! I haven't seen in my Whole Foods, yet, but I'm in South Jersey. What part of the store do they sell it in there? And yes THE CORN TORTILLA CHIPS!! Especially blue ones!! That has been my one steady craving since January!! I have tried to make a version myself about 5 different recipes plus my own versions. I just can't get it right!! I won't give up!!!

I just ate romaine, cukes, olive oil, lemon juice and the STRONGEST GARLIC I have ever had. My BF's band is playing downtown tonight. I am going knock everyone over with my garlic breath!!!:eek: :eek: :eek:

MY BAGELS ARE DONE AND WOW!!! Topped with cashew-dill cream cheese and tomato slices-Heaven in the Raw!!

[TeePee]

Someone asked for typical raw day diet? I will share mine if anyone cares!

Grapefruit juiced first thing in morning while getting ready

Breakfast: Usually a smoothie to take to work and drink all morning. My favorite is almond milk, banana, strawberry, pineapple. If I want a green one: huge handfuls of greens like kale, collard, spinach, chard; banana and pineapple cup or so of water and ice. YUMMY!! The smoothie gets me thru from 8am till just past noon, no problem. and that's with keeping 20 six-year olds on task!!

Lunch is usually a big salad: romaine, tomatoes, cukes, pepper, carrot, with olive oil, S&P, and dried basil. Sometimes I'll bring handful of pine nuts or pieces of onion bread or crackers if I have any. An apple or pear or kiwi for dessert, maybe a handful of raisins. I always keep raisins in my classroom for a quick sugar fix if I need it. If I have a left over enchilada or burger I might bring a bit of that.

Dinner is usually not that much. Usually if something is in the DH when I come home from school, I stand in front of it and pig out. Today was potato chips and cashew cheese as dip. Then I had some romaine and garlic b/c I felt like I needed balance it out.

Sometimes in the evening I'll have some almond milk blended with strawberries, or a banana or a little raw cacao power to make chocolate milk. It is sooo yummy!! A perfect "clean feeling" dessert!!

I am finding that I am not all that hungry, and when I am, it doesn't take much to quiet my hunger.

Bottom line on raw for me, anyway, is this: I eat whatever I want, whenever I want and I don't count calories, carbs, fat, etc!! I am learning (after only since Jan 11) to listen to my body and have no rules except : raw only. AND I continue to lose weight. It only seems to slow down when I enjoy my wine. But, I will take that trade-off. I have lost 32.5 pounds as of this morning!!

I have read somewhere (Lord knows where now!!) that it is best to do fruits thru am, veggies lunch or later on, then the heavier things in the evening meal, but not too late. Something about digestion. I don't remember the details, but it must have made sense, because it stuck with me.

I hope this helps someone. Have fun rawsters!!

[mtmouse]

Well, my 30-day challenge shortened to a 4-week-plus challenge. Today would have been day 30 for me, and last night I decided to have a small piece of lamb with my Mediterranean kale-tomato-mushroom salad. This morning I had an egg with my banana-pineapple-mango smoothie.

My weight stayed just about exactly the same throughout the 4 weeks. One pound down, one pound up, back to the middle, over and over again. Just your basic maintenance! :)

But I'm really glad I did it. I learned about lots of foods I might not have tried for a while, I learned that I really can like a lot of things cold that I never expected I would, and I have a wonderful sense of centeredness that I usually don't feel if not cleansing. I don't think I had a craving for the whole time, and for once when I'm stopping a "plan" I'm not feeling any desire whatsoever to swing the pendulum the other way.

So my next plan is to eat all raw except for occasional meat, fish, eggs, and beans. I will not have cooked grains at all. So no sugar, no bread (even homemade, which I'll be doing this afternoon) or cooked goodies, etc. And no cooked vegetables. And I'll have at least 2-3 days a week 100% raw.

I'm going to make some garlic-onion sprouted wheat crackers this afternoon, modifying my bagel recipe. I'll let you know how they turn out!

Hope everyone's doing great!

[Ginger]

Kathy - That sounds like a great plan. Congratulations.

This week has been so busy, I've check in and answered a few questions, but not really had time to do much else. I haven't even used my dehydrator this week. I really want to make some crackers and bagels and such. I hope I can find time this week.

That's part of my problem....no time to cook. I have weekend duty every third weekend, plus babsitting various grandkids and other activities, I just don't have much "me" time. When I get up, I rush around trying to prepare the days food, then don't get homme till after 8p (if I'm lucky). I prapare an evening mea, then crash on the sofa for an hour or two. I love my job, but it's so time consuming. I eat, sleep and breath it.

OK...I'm done whining. Hope everyone had a great week and

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!

[Res]

Kathy: Success :) Congratulations! How was the lamb?

Your plan sounds great!

Tomorrow will be day 30 for me. I'm up 4 lbs and I don't feel good like I thought I would (sorry, just being honest). I'm rather disappointed in a few things but I'm going to carry on and try another 30 but this time I'm forcing myself to exercise. So 30 days raw was pretty easy - it's the 30 days of exercise that I'm trying to change my focus on and get excited about. :o

I'm going to stay all raw for 5 days a week and mostly raw (or all raw) on Saturday and Sunday (unless I have family over). I think I might just make a few of the meals the "Take Home Chef" cooks up.

Kathy, on one of his shows he bought a leg of lamb - and on the way to the Lady's house (he picked her up in the supermarket lol - and hence the name of the show) he had her pull over in front of the neighbors house and he grabbed a grocery bag full of the Rosemary growing in their front yard. He seared the lamb and then rolled it up in the entire batch of rosemary (it was covered - you couldn't see the lamb) and bbq'd it. I could smell it from here. :)

So really I'm just going to continue doing mostly what I"m doing and try to incorporate more of Cohen's, Cornbleet's & Boutenko's recipes. I think I understand the reasoning behind "lightly steamed" now, in reference to veggies. I missed cooked vegetables and wonder if a quick stir fry or steaming will really do all that damage. I dunno.

I hope everyone is doing well. :) And HAPPY MOTHER's Day to all the Mom's and Mum's.
http://www.glitter-town.com/hearts-love-myspace-glitters/i91109958_90434.gif

Love,
~Res

[mtmouse]

I think I understand the reasoning behind "lightly steamed" now, in reference to veggies. I missed cooked vegetables and wonder if a quick stir fry or steaming will really do all that damage. I dunno.

What reasoning is that?

[Sim]

Hi all~
First, Happy Mother's Day!!
Second: Congratulations to you for completing your challenge! Yay! I knew you could do it and the best thing is that you discovered things in the interim that you didn't know before...and that's what it's all about.

I don't think "damage" is the worry...you won't damage anything by doing less than 100% raw. I'm so happy and so proud of you Res and Kathy for soldiering on, even when things got a little iffy. You were enthusiastic and funny throughout your experiment...and you shared it all the time. You are the best!

I have read that lightly steamed broccoli and believe it or not, tomatoes, are better for you cooked than raw because it breaks down some harmful something or other in them. But we're not scientists and to analyze every single veggie or fruit seems way too much for me. I say eat well, eat healthy, do some (hopefully more) raw and you'll be just fine and happy. For me, I've learned from this raw diet that I can eat well and eat quantity, not gain weight (well, like you Res, I fluctuate a bit...ahhh, those nuts and dehydrated pseudo baked goodies!) and still be happy. And to not crave things, to not be frantic all the time about "what do I feel like eating?", well, it's all worth it to me. I guess I feel I've done 50 years worth of eating everything on this planet and I enjoyed it but now I'm relying on the memory of those tastes and only eating what does my body good. There are only two things on this earth that I don't like and won't eat--only two. Everything else was fair game and that's why my weight was always an issue. Now I can eat everything that's raw and my weight is fine. This is the better plan for me but we're all different and we have to accept each other as being different and being perfect just the way we are. So I say, eat lamb if you like, eat cheese if you like but please remember to eat some salad too and for goodness' sake, don't think you're bad for doing so. It's all good. ;)

Have a nice Sunday, kids.

[eurekam]

Hello, everyone

I started to log what I eat and I realized I had to much!!
Counting calories isn't important for raw diet, but it will be a day's standard - I'm beginner so I'm not sure "how much" and "how often". http://www.nutritiondata.com is helpful for not just calculate calories but also provide nutritional information.

>>Res
I too think juice won't last in my stomach longer. But I don't drink juices/somoothies so much. I consume crunchy veggies such as celery, carrot, sprouts and some nuts. They seem to be fiber-full but I often got hunger attack...:p


Question:
Does anyone sprout at home?
I do sprout some beans and seeds for my salad, pate, sauce and bread.
And I really enjoy sprouting and eating!
Yesterday, I started sprout grean pea. Now I see 2-4mm tails and i nibble one...it's too bitter to eat!
I found some recipes with pea sprouts but noone tells me "it tastes bitter".
Is bitter sprout okay to eat? or does this has any problem??:confused: :confused: :confused:

I'll taste them again tomorrow...

[peanutterb]

hey

yall been without internet and busy and other stuff.

On Friday, took a break from work and went to Pure Food and Wine - a raw food restaurant - the lady from www.oneluckyduck.com and the Raw Food Real World author's restaurant. It was really nice. We sat on the patio and had ate alot. The servise was horrible but the food was amazing. I had the sushi appetizer and my friend had the lettuce wraps. Then for entree we shared the lasagne and corn tamales. Everything was so good. Dessert we all shared (it was 4 of us) pecan pie, molten lava cake, passion fruit mouse and a sampling of teas. the menu is here: http://www.purefoodandwine.com/
I would def go there again, but only if someone else was paying :p

what's been going on with me:
well my 2 weeks is just about up so i plan to add in a little bit of cooked veggies but still no- white foods or sugar as planned. I love being raw so I'll keep that going thru the end of the month and hopefully longer.
- my sis is in town visiting and looking for dresses
- work is going well. very busy.
- my muscles in my legs are getting a good work out on a daily basis, on purpose and not on purpose
- cravings:hummus, falafel, hearts of palm
- not talking to my bf nearly enough but not talking to many people at all. work keeps me very busy.

TeePee - lol so funny. I've never had the grawnola from them. too expensive. there's another type from a diff brand that I get that's cheaper and delicious so i'm sticking with tat one. let me know how her granola is.
in the Chelsea WH the Lucky Duck stuff is strangly by the salad bar. In the Union Sq Wh it, and a whole bunch of other raw goodies are in the nuts and dried fruit section.WH upcharges $2-4 for that stuff. Which is crazy since it's getting mailed from Brooklyn!

Res - they probably bought cheap burgers. I bought the Publix Greenwise brand veggie burgers one time and they were greasy clumps of texture.
The best ones I've had are from Amy's - http://www.amyskitchen.com/products/category_view.php?prod_category=1

sorry to hear you're not feeling that great. But I am glad to hear you'll still be doing raw and plan to incorporate exercise. I hope the greatness comes soon.

I def don't think cooking, especially lightly steaming causes all that damage and and come on - you're eating veggies - so no matter what they're good for you.

mtmouse: congrats on completing your 29 day raw challenge! I'm so happy and proud of you. I'm glad you're going to continue eating raw foods too. That's good.

**Happy Mother's day*** to all the mom's out there, real and virtual

love you all.

Gotta go do some work now.

[HealthyBiz]

Wow, just a few days off and so much has happened! Thanks for making me feel so welcome (back). I was feeling like quite the interloper, posting after you had gotten so far along into your challenge.

I tried posting a week or so ago, but the combination of the heat and the fires caused my power to blink several times. Lost a great note on this thread, so here I am to try to repeat. And I can't afford to stay here too long - I'm back on a cleanse - Day 7 and all the talk of delicious food (I don't dare name them out loud) has got me drooling.

Kathy - Mmmm... thanks for the bagel recipe. Can't wait to try it. I have a great tip for grinding flax seeds. I just still have my 30-year old college blender. So I used my coffee grinder and it works great! I don't drink coffee anymore, so I'm glad to give it another purpose. It grinds them up into a nice, thick paste.

Sim[B] - So right about keeping it simple. Good luck on your 40-day cleanse. I don't think I could do that again anytime soon. But, I'd be tempted to join you at culinary school if it were in southern California!

Hey, speaking of culinary school, Cornbleet is going to demonstrate Raw Food Preparation at the Northridge Whole Foods on Wed, June 9. It's so close, but I can't go. :( I teach Wednesday nights. I'd be tempted to skip out, but I'm giving a final, so I guess it's kinda important that I show up with the tests. *Big Sigh* Oh and of course, she's going to sign books after the demo.

[B]Peanutterb, Sounds like NYC is quite the adventure. My newest raw food book is Raw Food, Real World! So I was happy to hear you enjoyed the food at their restaurant! Just wish I could have been there.

Res - I have some cranberry scones cooling in the freezer, just waiting for me to finish my cleanse. I got 15 out of my 1/2 recipe, so a few more than the Boutenko mentions it makes. I used a big kitchen Tablespoon and mounded them up. Really pretty. Hey, have you tried making the Coconut Dream Cake in 12 Steps to Raw? It came out a bit gooey for me, so I dehydrated the bottom layer just a bit before mounding the rest on. I guess next time, I'll use less liquid than the recipe calls for. I froze the cut up pieces and enjoy them right out of the freezer for their consistency. Just thought you might have tried it.

Ginger Good question about the $100 for The Box. I'm not sure what the shipping price is ($100?), but you DO want it to arrive fresh and intact, so I guess that's worth it. It would have cost me $40 to have it driven out 50 miles. I think that's a bit pricey since they deliver a lot of them on the same night. But...I picked up my box. The $100 for the cost of The Box is a good deal IMHO. A slice of pizza in his restaurant is $9, I think. Even so, the mock chicken salad, the soups, the greens and the salads all lasted for several meals. So if I add up what I'd pay if I bought it at his restaurant or if I had to buy the ingredients and spend the 24 hours or so making the stuff, I think the $100 turns out to be a bargain. Just my opinion since you asked!

Happy Monday everyone...

[Sim]

Hi all~
Welcome back, HealthyBiz! So good to see you here!
Cornbleet is also teaching this summer at Living Light...why does northern California have to be so darn inconvenient? :rolleyes:

Just wanted you all to know that the Living Light Culinary Institute has the most wonderful people working for them! I've now had a few conversations with them regarding my "start" date (turns out that I have to save some money before I can enroll...huge sigh on that) but Dan Ladermann himself called me to talk about my course of action. So nice!

Interesting proposition this second 40 day MC is...I'm curious as to how I'll be affected, since this time I'm starting from a raw diet instead of SAD. Also, this time, my mind is on raw recipes, this thread, all of you, and the prep and creation of delicious things to eat. And..this time I'm starting way under my normal weight so I'm curious as to what will happen with that.

Best Mother's Day gift: my 22 year old son got me a gift certificate to Pure Food and Wine... and he started his first cleanse today! (He's already planning on being "my date" for the meal at Pure Food...what an operator :D )

Keep up the good work, kids. Much love.

[Ginger]

Ginger Good question about the $100 for The Box. I'm not sure what the shipping price is ($100?), but you DO want it to arrive fresh and intact, so I guess that's worth it. It would have cost me $40 to have it driven out 50 miles. I think that's a bit pricey since they deliver a lot of them on the same night. But...I picked up my box. The $100 for the cost of The Box is a good deal IMHO. A slice of pizza in his restaurant is $9, I think. Even so, the mock chicken salad, the soups, the greens and the salads all lasted for several meals. So if I add up what I'd pay if I bought it at his restaurant or if I had to buy the ingredients and spend the 24 hours or so making the stuff, I think the $100 turns out to be a bargain. Just my opinion since you asked!
thanks Healthy Biz. I'll have to check out the shipping cost. If I order it I'll let you know.

[mtmouse]

I just wanted to report on a huge success--yesterday we went to MIL's and I took along Matt's Eat a Peach tart. Wow! It was fabulous!

I, of course, changed things a bit. ;) I added some vanilla and a pinch of cardamom to the crust. Otherwise, it's nothing but almonds, peaches, and agave. Nothing could be simpler! And it looks impressively beautiful too. So that's a keeper for sure!

And welcome back, HealthyBiz! Even if you aren't eating just yet! :)

[Sim]

Hi Friends~
I have a couple of questions...please help!
I'm asking here because all of you have become so...close. You're all smart and have great experience. Please tell me what you think.
I am having a terrible time with water weight WHILE I'M CLEANSING! My legs are tight, really tight, my fingers too. What's up with that? I suppose it could be the change in weather in the Northeast with more humidity affecting me, but it's strange. Also, I tried to donate blood today but my hemoglobin was too low. It could be because I'm on Day 5, but in January, I had a medical procedure and my blood was checked and it was fine. Could it be---I hate to say this---that the raw diet, even though I ate TONS of kale, spinach, collards...all greens and lots and lots of dried fruit, all packed with iron, are not giving me enough iron? For my first cleanse, I was coming off a meat-heavy SAD diet. This time, I'm cleansing from a raw vegan diet...and my iron is low. What's a girl to do?
Naturopath, nutritionist? Homeopathist? Let me know your thoughts, please. Thanks, buddies!:)

[HealthyBiz]

Oooh, Sim- Just have to 'weigh' in here. LOL! I'm on Day 8 of my 4th Master Cleanse and don't know why this one is just a breeze ... either because I'm coming from a mostly Raw diet or because it's #4. I hardly notice I'm cleansing. It all comes so naturally. Even the SWF is easier to manage and seems to create 'results' much more quickly. One headache woke me up a few times one night; had a little sinus another day, but other than that my detox has been very mild. I did have detox symptoms during the Raw diet, so I think that has something to do with the mildness of the detox on this cleanse for me. But what is causing me to have 6-8 Lemonades with very little hunger (unless I go too long between lemonades) or cravings? What's causing my boundless energy and spiritual peace which started on Day 2 and hasn't subsided? My thinking is it has something to do with the Raw diet preceding the MC.

Oh, the other thing that seems different about going from a RAW rather than SAD diet to the MC is that my blood pressure which usually drops anyway has really, really dropped. Any medical professionals in the crowd? I'm really cold. I have to be careful when I stand sometimes, so I don't get dizzy, but otherwise feel great. That's not different from other cleanses. What is different is my last BP reading which was 92/48. I'm not sure how low is too low since the charts just say to be below a certain number. Anyway, my BP will normalize once I'm off the cleanse, so I'm not really worried unless anyone tells me I ought to be. ;)

Good luck, Sim with your water weight. That's gotta be uncomfortable. But what were you thinking, trying to donate blood while on a MC?!? Are you nutz? Must be the euphoria of having had such a wonderful Mother's Day. And, yes, I am jealous. What a great son!

[eurekam]

Best Mother's Day gift: my 22 year old son got me a gift certificate to Pure Food and Wine... and he started his first cleanse today!

What a sweet story!!
My 4-y-o son made a card at school but he refused to give it tome.
Because "I wrote my name on it, this is mine!!"...

...okay, that's okay...


I think you guys had happy time on mother's day:)

[Res]

Sim: Oooh I hate to say this. I was reading today about B vitamins, specifically B12 and Alissa Cohen states that Raw foodists are "not" getting enough B12. She even recommended B12 injections (which I get and I'm overdue). The pills aren't absorbed correctly which was confirmed by the dermatologist who gives me the shots.

Can you go get a shot? What you're describing is similar to the symptoms described. I'll find those again and post them here.

Hang in there Sweetie!

Love,
~Res

[mtmouse]

Hey Res,

What ever happened with your plan to make jerky? Did you ever do it?

[Res]

"There are a variety of symptoms of B-12 deficiency, which are important to vegans and live fooders. The first is actually low energy. It could be a reason why some people just don't feel well on these diets, besides not getting the right protein/carbohydrate/fat mix for their constitutional type.

There are specific neurological symptoms, often described as "subacute combined degeneration". Some of this damage can be almost irreversible, if it becomes chronic. This nerve system degeneration affects peripheral nerves and the spinal cord. Some of the typical neurological feelings include depression, numbness and tingling in the hands and feet, nervousness, paranoia, hyperactive reflexes, impaired memory and behavioral changes. With a B-12 deficiency, one can also have diarrhea, fever, frequent upper respiratory infections, impotence, infertility, sore tongue, enlargement of the mucous membranes of the mouth, vagina, and stomach, macrocytic anemia, low platelets, increased bleeding, low white blood cell count. Some of the causes of B-12 deficiency are low dietary intake of B-12 and/or poor absorption, which usually comes through loss of intrinsic factor and/or a lack of stomach acid.

Consistent research over the last decade has shown that vegans and live food people of all ages and sexes have a much higher risk of becoming B-12 deficient. This does not mean that everyone becomes B-12 deficient."

Cohen's BB (http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/showthread.php?t=2898) You can read more by clicking on the link.

Again, Alissa discusses taking oral B12 but seems more supportive of injections. I'm going to make an appointment right now because I have a few of the symptoms and it's been bugging me that my hands fall asleep any time they want during the day or night. I've already been diagnosed as being low on B vitamins but life gets in the way and I haven't been consistent with the injections.

Sim I hope this helps.

Love,
~Res

[Res]

Kathy,

Yes I made it but as I mentioned I don't buy a lot of meat so I had a tiny bit of beef which lasted 3 days. I enjoyed every bite but I don't think that's enough to judge by. I planned on going to Whole Foods last weekend but it didn't work out and I won't buy the normal meat in the grocery store.

Oh, and I'm losing hair by the combful again - uh, I think I already mentioned it but I'm worried so it's on my mind.

To whoever else is reading this; I'll never go back to eating the way I was eating regardless of all the quirks going on right now. And I won't mask what's honestly happening with pink fluff about how groovy everything is because it's not. This is real. This is where the rubber meets the road. This is Real Life. Killing myself with Twinkies isn't the answer either. What we're doing here is finding our own balance. What works for you won't work for me necessarily and vice versa. But I'm happy as a clam to glean from you and listen to your story and try to incorporate your good things into my life and I hope that you're doing the same with all of us as we try to figure out how to live with food. :)

Love,
~Res

[Sim]

[QUOTE=Res]
To whoever else is reading this; I'll never go back to eating the way I was eating regardless of all the quirks going on right now. And I won't mask what's honestly happening with pink fluff about how groovy everything is because it's not. This is real. This is where the rubber meets the road. This is Real Life. Killing myself with Twinkies isn't the answer either. What we're doing here is finding our own balance. What works for you won't work for me necessarily and vice versa. But I'm happy as a clam to glean from you and listen to your story and try to incorporate your good things into my life and I hope that you're doing the same with all of us as we try to figure out how to live with food. :)

Res~ First of all, thank you thank you thank you for the information on B12...thank goodness I don't have any of those symptoms except possible anemia but I'm going to get checked for everything anyway and I'm going to go buy B vitamins until I can get the doctor to give me a shot. Great advice and I could feel the love you sent along with it!:o What I'm getting really worried about is this swelling...I suppose it could be detox but I did some reading on leg edema and the possible causes that relate to me are hypothyroid especially due to peri- or menopausal factors, malnutrition (not likely) and temperature changes (yes!)...I'm calling my doc today.

Secondly: your comments resonate all over the place...that's exactly what we're doing here, trying to figure out the best way to live with food. And that is very individual, with no room for "shoulds" and "musts". Thanks for the sage comment! :D (ooh, I love sage...)

[TeePee]

Hi girls,

Seems like forever since I could catch up with everyone. Each of you is finding your place with raw and remember life is about the journey!

Well, I have something to share about raw food. A little personal, but worth mentioning for the good of the group. I guess since we share our SWF episodes, anything goes...

I began with cleanse end of Dec, right into raw. Everything fine, until April--no period. I do take Loestrin birth control, but was concerned. Turns out, I skipped April, but May is exactly the "usual". I have researched raw and loss of periods online and it does happen!! Interesting enough, I had a few days here and there duing the last month where I had very small bits of "cooked" food. Mostly blue corn chips, a few roasted peanuts, few bites of pasta at two different functions I attended. But all within the last month. Then don't ya know...period shows up. Now all this could be due to stress, but I am going on a limb here and thinking the cooked food brought it on. I also am wondering, did I subconsciously "cheat" with cooked food because I thought that would bring it on and I was nervous, to put it mildly, about it being "MIA"???? So, now, I am of course 100% raw, as I was, and certainly going to make note of these changes (my own scientific study!!!) I am too young to be menopausal (I think)!!

Anyone else experiencing anything similar, or have any knowledge on the matter?

[Res]

Teepee: Wow. I don't know what to tell you being new to this RAW thing. I've thought about a lot since starting this and researched a little.

This could start a fire but I'm not certain being 100% raw is really the best for everyone. I'm on Day 33 all raw, not a bite or taste of anything cooked and as I whined earlier, I'm not "ready to leap tall buildings in a single bound". In other words I don't feel as good raw as I do on the cleanse. I feel GREAT on the cleanse, even with the detox days but I feel crappy almost every day since I've been raw. Weird huh? :confused: I'm just being honest, I have nothing to gain by bashing all raw and if I WAS bashing it I wouldn't still be all - raw.

Have you checked out Alissa's site? They're quite chatty over there and may have an answer for you.

Love,
~Res

[NalaMom]

Where is the best board or what is the best book to investigate more about 100% raw eating. Right now Im eating raw in anticipation of my cleanse next week, but I want to find out why I should continue it after the cleanse.

Also, I just ate some raw broccoli and it was burning my throat as I swallowed it and its sore after. Could that be pesticides since it wasn't organic? :eek: I have never experienced that before, but never had raw broccoli without salad dressing before either.

[peanutterb]

Hey NalaMom The Raw Food FAQs thread is a good place to start http://therawfoodsite.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2150
and there are quite a few sites listed at the end of the General Help for Newbies thread.

[TeePee]

Res,

Thanks for the support!! You know, I hear you about raw not being for everyone. I do want to say, though, that perhaps it is detox?? I have read about people taking a long time to adjust to raw, I'm talking several months to over a year. Are you getting a variety of greens and veggies? I am glad you are sticking with it. I hope you find the right balance for you, because you are an absolute doll!!!:o

On food, I have been on a pizza kick. Cohen's pizza bread, topped with a cashew cheese, then a red sauce, "sausage" crumbled on top, finished with fresh basil. I made the bread a week ago; the sauce, cheese and sausage Monday. One night I put some in the DH to warm and forgot about it, fell asleep and left it in all night. It was BETTER the next day when I took it for lunch. It is so nice to have stuff all whipped up and on hand!!

AN IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT THE RAW ALMONDS!! If you don't get Matt Amsden's go to Rawvolution.com and sign up. In the news letter today it has a petition to send to congress about the pasteurization of all almonds. I will try to copy my email here. I'm not very good at it, but I"ll try. It is set to start in Aug or Sept 2007.

[TeePee]

LETTER FROM MATT AMDSEN ABOUT RAW ALMONDS!! IMPORTANT

Dear Friends,

Starting in August or September of 2007, raw almonds will no longer be truly raw due to a mandate passed by the USDA, FDA and the California Almond Board, announcing that all almonds including organic must be pasteurized (cooked).

The problem is the law has been passed with little public input(if any) or notification whatsoever. In addition all pasteurized almonds available in the marketplace will still be labeled as raw almonds. Can this be considered fraudulence or an out right lie? Are you willing to give up your food freedom?

The primary reasons for passing this law are two isolated outbreaks of salmonella, in conjunction with conventional almond farms a few years ago. To the best of our knowledge no salmonella outbreaks have EVER been associated with organic almonds.

Within the past 10 years tomatoes, spinach, green onions, peanuts, grapes, melons, lettuce, and sprouts have all been linked to salmonella outbreaks. Does that mean we should eliminate all fresh produce?

Almonds have been associated with reduced risk of heart disease, a rich source of calcium, magnesium, vitamin E, protein, fiber and antioxidants to name a few. These amazing and life enhancing health benefits, will be devastatingly reduced if not completely eliminated in the pasteurization process. Three of the potential suggested methods of pasteurization are:

-Propylene oxide(PPO) fumigation(propylene oxide was also used as an insecticidal fumigant till 1988 when its registration was terminated. California prop.65 rates PPO as a carcinogen. Cited from www.mbow.org)

-High heat(which degrades the integrity of the nuts and enzyme structure).

-Steam pasteurization (will also further devalue the nutrients, enzyme activity and antioxidants.)

This is a call to all those who care about their health, we need to join forces by bringing this to the attention of everyone from the mass media to the common consumer before it goes any further than almonds! It is our basic right to choose unprocessed foods! We have created a petition that we will present to the California Almond Board, the FDA and the USDA.

Cut and paste the following letter into an e-mail or a Word document, sign it and send it to:


Secretary Mike Johanns
United States Department of Agriculture
1400 Independence Ave SW
Whitten Building – Suite 200A
Washington, D.C. 20250

Email:
TO: agsec@usda.gov
CC: kurt.kimmel@usda.gov
Michael.Durando@usda.gov

[Ginger]

All this talk about the downside of raw has me thinking. I'm wondering if I get what my body needs. My energy level is pretty low. I go to sleep around 11pm and have a hard time waking up by 8 am. I set the alarm for 6 am to go to the gym. Then I turn it off. I'm not exercising, even though I want to. I'd really like to lose another 6-7 lbs by this time next month. My weight is holding steady at about 5 lbs over the ending cleanse weight. But, I just can't motivate myself to exercise. I made an appointment to see my doc on monday. Gonna ask about B12 injections. I started adding more fruit and raw desserts to my diet. But, I think I need to stop. My hot flashes are coming more frequently, just not as severe as when on the SAD diet. No alcohol or coffee has certainly helped. But I think the sugar is a trigger.

Oh....I am still not able to tolerate green smoothies. I've tried 2 different recipes. Both of which I love the ingredients I put in (individually). But....Yucky, yucky, yucky.

Teepee - I emailed as soon as I saw the message!! That's awful. The gov't is trying to stop women from getting natural hormones too. Pressure from the big pharmacutical companies.

[peanutterb]

just checking in with you guys real quick. haven't had time to read. hope you are all doing well.
it's 1 am and i just got home from work but i have more work to do before i go to bed. we have a big presentation early next week so i'll be working all weekend until then. and honestly, hopefully after that too. i'd really like this to be more long term. i like the place and the people and the work that i do. we'll see.

been unraw this week but have been keeping breakfast raw and still eating lots of fruit and raw veggies. made toona for a non-raw friend and he loved it so much he did a little dance. I have been obsessed with hummus, falafels and mediterrean food. There's a place on the corner by my job that i go to about twice a day for eggplant, cauliflower, hummus and falafel. i even like their baba ghanouj and i don't usually like that.

anyway, next week i plan to go back to raw, at least to two meals a day raw. this week i've been out of control, between working crazy hours, being too busy to prepare things, my period coming on with full force and hormones and the death of a college friend, my eating hasn't been the best. (eating after 8, eating chocolate and lots of it - at least mostly vegan, and not exactly obeying my no white food rule) so i need to get back on track next week. i'm not stressing myself out about it or beating myself up because sometimes life just gets crazy and these things happen. i haven't even had time to talk to my bf or wash my hair. :eek:

anyway, i really need to get some work done before my eyes start lowering. talk to you guys later. miss you all and i pray you're all doing well.

[Sim]

Hi everyone~
An update: I went to the doc yesterday to find out about my previously swelling legs. Yes, previously. At 51 years of age, my body does weird things. I woke up yesterday and the swelling was way down...I also had gotten my period for the first time in almost three months! Oh, severe water weight build-up? Maybe. So I went to the doc to get my blood tested for B12, thyroid, iron, cholesterol, electrolytes...just about everything. We'll see what happens. I asked him what he thought about the MC and Raw diets. Predictably, he said the MC was useless as a cleanse but couldn't do any harm and that NO SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE EXISTS THAT SUPPORTS A RAW DIET AS BEING GOOD FOR YOU. Then he said, "but it won't do you any harm." Then I asked about getting a B12 shot, and he said that went out with the stone age...archaic. So I was scratching my head over that one and asked him if he thought a nutritionist could alleviate my anxieties over what I might be missing by following a raw diet. Get this: he said, "Nutritionists are all charlatans." I'm finding a new doc! :rolleyes: :D

I'm still lurking here, being on Day 9. Honestly, this cleanse hasn't been the easiest coming off a raw regimen. I think it's because the first time, I knew I had been eating wrong and felt ill from the SAD diet I was following and I was determined to feel better at any cost. This time around, I feel like I'd been following a healthy way of eating, a healthy way of living, and the MC almost feels like a step backward. But then I remind myself that I knew it was time to cleanse when I started to feel "stuffy", a general feeling of blah in my tummy, even on delicious raw pizza and soups. That's why I began again. But I'm thinking now that maybe I won't need 40 days, as I had planned. I'm going to let my body tell me when, past the 10 days of course, it'll be time to quit.

NalaMom~ I know what you're talking about with the broccoli. Yes, it's pesticide that you've ingested. Lovely, isn't it?

Ginger~ It could be your raw diet that causing you problems with energy, motivation, and hot flashes, or it could be that as time marches on, our body rhythms change. It's like me with my (very slow) running: I always do the same route but there are days that it's a cinch and days that I feel like I can't make it to the corner. Some days, my 4 miles or so seem to take forever and other days, I want to do 4 more (but I don't because I value my knees :D ) We all look for reasons when things don't seem perfect...maybe it's just the ebb and flow of our blood and body energy Anyway, feel better and know we're right here with you. ;)

Peanutterb! I'm soooooooooo happy to hear your wonderful perspective...and that you're keeping it real and keeping yourself emotionally and mentally healthy. Good girl! (except you probably need to talk to your bf more frequently for even better emotional health :D )
I love the way you're rolling with the stresses and being realistic about eating. Thanks for the excellent role modeling....I know you'll be fine and I'm so glad NY is working out well for you. *Hugs

Hi Res! You're definitely not bashing raw, just making observations. To be honest with you, and you know how committed I am to raw, I'm waiting for those blood results to come back to tell me about B12 and iron, in particular. I was never anemic before raw and I ate tons and tons of greens in unheard of quantities in the last few months...so if my iron is low, it means something isn't right in my eating. Now I'm not saying I'm going to eat liver (ewwww) and red meat, but I might be persuaded to add cooked (but not canned) red kidney beans to my salads for added iron. I'm always so severe with myself, insisting on doing everything to the letter of the law. But if my health is jeopardized, then I'll need a slightly different framework. I love Raw and I believe in it but maybe there are some things that need adjusting on an individual basis. That's not a bad thing, it's good. Because it reminds us that we cannot follow a cookie cutter existence and that we are all individuals. Thanks for that reminder, Res. :)

[NalaMom]

Thank you for answering Sim. Im throwing that broccoli out right now. That is just disgusting. Its amazing what we don't taste with the SAD.

[Sim]

Question, my buddies~ for those of you who own a Vitamix, do you think the 5000 is worth the extra money with its variable speed function or is the 4500 good enough with its high/low switch? I don't intend to buy another blender for the rest of my life after this so the $50 difference won't kill me (it's the base price that's killing me enough as it is!) but if the variable speed really doesn't make a difference, the extra $50 buys me more veggies and nuts or at least a really good haircut...or both! Please let me know.
Yes, I'm preparing for after my cleanse. Yes, I'm contemplating mortgaging my home to buy this appliance plus a new citrus juicer (the Breville CPX) because I can get them on sale, no shipping charge, no taxes. Yes, my husband still loves me because he doesn't know I'm buying these...yet. :D
And the guy won't even eat raw, although he has accepted a smoothie or two.
So let me know, please. Sale ends soon! Thanks, kids.

[Res]

Gosh so much to respond to, I'll go backwards,

Sim: I could've paid the $50 less but since I've wanted a Vitamix for over 25 years. I decided I was buying the newest one so I did and I like it. I don't know what to tell you about the 4500 - it's probably going to work just fine.

Halfway through reading about your doctors visit I was thinking, "I'm not going to tell her to ditch the doctor" although I wanted to. :) I got a B12 shot yesterday and scheduled one for every month thereafter. I'm losing hair again - the doctor said it again, "Protein changes in the body are interpreted by the body as starvation etc so only the necessary things on the body are maintained, and hair is not necessary". So boys and girls I made my way to whole foods, bought beef and it's dehyrating for beef jerky. I don't know what else to do. I told the doctor that I eat nuts and he thinks I'm nuts but didn't say anything. He's really nice actually.

*In all the insanity of this Raw Food Voyage there's a challenge - an excitement that's seductive and provoking and I can feel a twinkle in my spirit that wants to "take it on". ;) It's a friendly challenge from the Universe, flirty even and almost as if it's asking me to "play". It's up to me to decide and although I don't know the rules it's safe in a very wild sort of way and I can say no, but I can't say no. :) It's okay - it's inside of me - and part of me wants to cry tackling this part of the journey because who wants to lose hair and have gas? lol But something stronger beckons me on and truly I have no choice but to respond, "yes".

Anyway...

Hot flashes went away on all my cleanses except for the last one (so it's been constant for months) and I was as Puzzled as heck about it. Usually by day 5, they were gone, gone, gone to my absolute delight (until I went back to not controlling my eating). Currently I'm not ingesting any white sugar (raw agave is added to stuff) and the sugar I am getting is in the fruit, dates etc and it's been hot flash city. Supposedly Vitamin E, Black Cohosh and Evening Primrose oil are supposed to help. Definitely steer cleer of white sugar.

TeePee: Thanks for the alert. Geez, the things they try to sneak under the RADAR. It just ticks me off that the Government has the right to mess around with my food and my food choices. :mad: Aren't you Ladies tired of being controlled? I hate it. I think I'm going to go dance in the middle of the street.

Ginger: "Exercise" the last unconquered frontier.... My nemesis -Seriously. I'm going to do it. I'm going to conquer it and just DO IT. Here's a thought - the heart is a muscle, muscle needs to be worked to stay healthy. *IF* we don't work the muscle what happens to it? Flab, exactly so do we want our heart flabby? Hell no - uh, I mean "No"! So, it's about working WITH our bodies FOR our bodies. I'm doing it. <-- This is self talk by the way. ;)

Ahh, what else? It's Day 34 all raw - I'm working from home today because I'm sick. It was a present from my kids for mother's day. :o AND I have a final tonight. But Thank God it's the weekend! AND, I'm happy to check in here with all of you because you've become my favorite people. :D

Gotta go study.

Love,
~Res

[Res]

Sim, don't mortgage the house for the Vitamix. lol :D Only because you can't live in a Vitamix but you can bash the heck out of veggies in a house.

[mtmouse]

So, Res,

Do you actually use all (or most) of your variable speeds on the Vitamix? And can you tell a difference between them?

[Res]

Well, the instructions say, start off at #1 at low and then go up to #10 quickly and then hit high. Really, it doesn't make a lot of sense and hasn't. You might want to save yourself the $50. :)

[mtmouse]

Res,

I've been musing for the last few days on what's been happening to you. These are just ideas to throw out and hopefully start a discussion. I don't think I have any answers per se.

It seems like you feel good on the cleanse (which is vegan and raw--though I think if you use MS instead of agave, it probably isn't raw, right?). But too much cleansing and your hair falls out.

And then I think that on all raw and vegan, you first had problems with gas and then your hair started falling out.

I think the feeling good/bad and the hair may be two separate issues.

So I think the question isn't necessarily whether raw isn't good for some people, but whether vegan isn't good for some people.

I can't think of anything that cooking does that could possibly add any benefit to any food. (There are probably a few exceptions that are poison until cooked or some such thing, but I'm just saying in general, in principle.) Cooking takes away nutrients, it takes away enzymes, etc.

Then there's the concept put out by the raw people that we have only so many enzymes and that they can get used up during our lives and that each food contains the enzymes needed to digest it. I'm afraid I don't buy that--though I'm not locked into this position. I've been operating under the information that humans, being omnivores, actually have the capacity to produce enzymes for digesting all foods. Certain people may lack the ability to produce a certain enzyme, like those of African origin and lactase (thus making them lactose intolerant), but in general people can make the enzymes they need to digest the foods they come in contact with.

I've also heard that we are efficient in our enzyme production, though: if we don't eat a particular food for a long time, we put that enzyme need on the "back burner". So if we stop eating meat for a long time and then start eating it again, we may experience some digestive problems as our systems start to figure out that they need to put that enzyme out front again, because we'll be needing it that often.

To me, that theory better explains what happens to us than the raw foodists "limited enzyme" idea. If all raw foods contain their enzymes, then it would seem that everyone who switches to raw would feel immediately better, certainly in the area of digestion. So why did you (and many others) experience such discomfort simply leaving cooked food behind?

So I was wondering, what's different in leaving cooked food behind? The cleanse is basically a mono-diet. You feel great on the cleanse. Once you add foods back in, even all raw foods, you don't feel great. If it was just an enzyme issue, that shouldn't happen. So maybe it's a food sensitivity issue. When you eat a diet with animal protein, you naturally cut down on something. Maybe you're sensitive to that something, but not enough for it to show. When you go all raw you eat more of it, and then you don't feel so great.

Anyway, like I said, I don't have answers. I'm really looking forward to your dried meat experiment, because if vegan is the problem with your hair, then that should solve it. (I presume if B12 is what this is about, it's not destroyed by drying. But I don't know that.) Of course, if you're getting B12 shots, then I guess that experiment won't count, LOL.

And then another devil's advocate thought. I haven't read anything but the jackets of Boutenko's books. But from that limited exposure, it kind of seemed to me like she was saying "We went all raw, which everyone knows is the healthiest way to eat. But after a while we weren't healthy. Then we added greens, because the way we were eating wasn't healthy." No one seems to ask "what if eating all raw [i.e., vegan] isn't actually all that healthy?"

But despite that niggling thought, I am definitely with you in my continued fascination with raw food. Even though I've added back in a little cooked eggs, meat, and fish, and I'll probably do some kidney beans like Sim mentioned, I haven't been wanting a lot of it by any means. Less than once a day, and only a fraction of the amount I might have eaten before this experiment. And I have no interest in eating other stuff that's cooked. I'm still not craving any cooked grains (not even the jasmine rice that I used to stuff my face with!). And a cooked veggie or fruit just isn't appealing at all. So something happened! I don't seem to have any of the health issues you're grappling with, so for me it's still basically all about just eating to feel good. And I really do!

Anyway, maybe people can start bouncing your ideas off mine, and we'll see if we can come to any conclusions!

:)

[Sim]

Kathy~ You posit some very interesting thoughts...I've been musing on some of those same things, but like Res, I'm fascinated with raw and it's just pulling me in all the time (or it will continue to pull me in once I'm done cleansing). I've wondered about the enzyme production theory, that we're born with a certain amount and we use them up digesting cooked food and that's how we age, lose vitality, and die. I don't know if I buy that. I'm also wondering about Res' hair loss (my own too). Could be lack of protein, I guess. But then I'd have to admit that I'm not getting enough protein on a raw diet, even with all the nuts, all the variety of dark leafy greens, and I would hate to admit that because I obviously don't want to be deficient but the "draw of raw" is very intense. Maybe the answer truly is to be 80% raw, not vegan, and a bit of cooked animal protein, if one does not want to eat jerky. I don't know and it's puzzling me as well. That's why, drumroll please, Res, don't worry, I already came to the conclusion that my doctor no longer serves my purposes. I have the name of a well-respected homeopath/naturopath who does blood analysis and then actually will tell me what I need. Much more to my liking at this point in my life. But the doc did order those blood tests for me, which I will take and then promptly take the results to the naturopath. If B12 is needed, I will certainly get shots. If vitamins are suggested, I will take them. But my diet? Like Kathy, I find it hard to believe that cooked food is the answer. It would seem much more likely that perhaps some other vegan/raw-prohibited foods could round out a diet (like yogurt, organic eggs, or even non-GMO soy products) to cover all the dietary needs we have. Like Kathy, I have no answers, only questions. I do know that raw is worth the effort and can be the bulk of what I eat. More research is needed for me to decide what's best for my body. Research and blood results.

So, the VitaMix...Kathy makes a good point. If you go from low to high anyway, why do I need the variable control? It's not the money, honest. And there's not only the 5000, there's the Super 5000 (or whatever it's called), which comes with an extra canister for grating dry foods, and then there's the Professional series, which has the extra canister and a few other niceties that don't seem all that important, for $500. I'm so indecisive...help.:eek:

Let's keep this discussion going...it's interesting to hear how our thinking has evolved over the course of dipping our feet into the raw sea. Now that we know how to prepare it, now that we know we can enjoy it, we need to discover if it's all that we need it to be. Boutenko's book surprised me: touting raw for such a long time, then discovering that her family was getting sick and adding green smoothies, saying they are the elixir that cured everything. Frankly, I don't buy it. A raw diet is a way of eating and germs and illnesses are quite separate from diet. Being raw doesn't protect us from every germ or illness that exists, just as not every person who is on a SAD diet gets sick. I believe we may be healthier on raw, avoiding the obvious problems of high cholesterol and diabetes, but I also know that although our immune systems may get better over time, a strong cold virus will still do its damage. Anyway, that's part of my take on all this. Let's continue to kick it around.

[Ginger]

Interesting reading. I haven't read the Boutenko books, but I remember reading how their choice to go raw cured them of many illnesses.

Res - I used to run 15 miles a week. For many years I ran outside. Then I had to have surgery on my knee because I'd worn down the cartilage. After that, the elliptical became my best friend. In additional to that I did weight training religiously 3 days a week. Plus I danced as many as 5 nights a week. Menopause really threw me for a loop. I miss working out. But, I just don't have the energy. I need to find the answer to my low energy level.

I am having problems with hair loss too. Stress tends to make it worse for me. But, I'm not stressed. I'm loving the way I'm eating. I feel like I'm doing something good for myself, I love coming here to visit you all, and appreciate your feedback and good advice. Honestly, I'm not expecting much at my doctor's. He irritates the crap out of me. He doesn't respect women's medical complaints. So I usually go to a PA who works for him. I like her alot. But, I've been complaining for years of being tired and I think they think I suffer from hypochondria. I'd like to find another doc, but it's hard to find a good doc around here.

Sim - I bought the 5000 vitamix. To be honest I don't use the variable speed very much. But then I'm just a beginner using it, and I may find an advantage at some point.

[TeePee]

Quick one here, because I'm icky sick and need to get to sleep.

SIM, I got the professional series, mostly because of the variable speed dial and the color too (I know, I know) but I was getting everything else new, so if my counter is going to be cluttered up, it might as well match. PLUS, I'm hoping this is the last blender I'll ever buy!!

The variable speed is nice and I always start low and go up to 10 then high if needed. It keeps all the ingredients from flying up to the top of the container and getting gunked up on the lid.

Just used it to blend some fresh stawberries and almond milk.. Dessert. :p After my dinner of an entire cucumber sliced with sea salt and tomato, basil and olive oil.

Just for the record, I have lost 2 more pounds!!! 34.5 total since Dec 28!!:D

Off to gargle salt water! Goodnight raw girls!

[TeePee]

Okay, one more before bed..;)

I just went back and read some of the above discussion. I wish I had more time to keep up with all the posts!!

I really believe in the raw diet and that it can provide all the nutrients needed. I also believe, however, that everyone is different and brings different backgrounds and habits with them. With that in mind, I believe that it will take each of us different amounts of time to adjust to raw, if that's how we choose to go. Remember it is a DRASTIC change to the way most of us have been eating since birth. With differing amounts of time to adjust, come different "symptoms" of adjustment! Maybe for some it is hair loss, swelling, changes in monthly cycles, headaches, fatigue, whatever....I have had days of wanting to set the world on fire and others where I feel like I can't get out of bed. Stress, emotional concerns, family, work, etc all play a part in this life. Raw food or a magic "pill" won't 'cure' the ups and downs of life. But, I believe being the healthiest we can possibly be physically, will provide us with the best defense when life deals us those ups and downs.

I have read Boutenko's Raw Family, 12 Steps to Raw, and Green for Life. They are all great reads. Sometimes a little "out there" and extreme, but still they make a lot of sense. I have also read Diet for a New America and The China Study. BOTH OF WHICH I HIGHLY RECOMMEND. I actually read those two books after my first cleanse almost 3 years ago. It was after reading those two books that I gave up meat (except seafood) I also gave up dairy for several months but went back and forth with cheese. I have never gone back to meat since then. Last year I had blood tests run because I thought I was anemic. I thought maybe I had B12 deficiency. All was fine except cholestrol. I would like to get tested again soon to see the change since going raw.

Anyway, Diet...America and China Study both address the vegan, but not neccesarily raw diet. They explain in great detail the amino acid, protein, iron, calcium needs we have and how they are met in a vegan diet. Since going raw I have looked over Diet....America again (the other book someone borrowed and has "lost"). I would like to read that one again, too.

I have come to the conclusion that, for me anyway, the best diet is raw vegan. Maybe the line about our bodies becoming a "burial ground" for animal flesh really stuck with me. Gross, I know, but a powerful statement. Even though I smell meat grilling outdoors and it smells sooo good, I can't eat it. It is the smell and the memory of the fun times barbecuing or the comfort of Mom's roast and mashed potatoes that make it appealing in any way. Not what it will do for my body.

I believe we all have to find what works best for our body and what makes us happy. An old Italian friend of mine said I was crazy for doing this because I am only eating to feed my body and "eating is about pleasure". This is true, but for the first time in my life, eating a cucumber for dinner is a beautiful, simple and fulfilling pleasure; instead of stuffing myself with a bowl full of pasta-eating as much as I possibly could until I felt like crap. For some people that "eating is about pleasure" means you have to have pasta every single night. For some it means you have to have meat and potatoes every single night. Find your own balance of the pleasures you do not wish to live without and the "feeding your body" what it needs.

Remember finding that "balance" and the adjustments and responses our bodies will make is going to take months and months. Maybe more. It is a journey. A challenge. A growth. A self-awareness. And it may be a detoxifying experience too.

We are so fortunate to have such great people with so many experiences to share! Let us all remember to be good to our bodies and our minds and be open to new ideas from each other!!:o

[Ginger]

Well said TeePee :)

[mtmouse]

Just for the record, I have lost 2 more pounds!!! 34.5 total since Dec 28!!:D


Sorry, TeePee, but I think I have to hate you! ;)

Jealousy is NOT a pretty sight, LOL.

[Sim]

TreePee~
As always, your comments are on the money. Thanks for staying up so late! :)

[Res]

We didn't start the fire... ;)

I would hug you all tightly if we were face to face. I love the insight, intelligence, wit, humor and compassion that overflows from all of you.

I think the bottom line is -We're all trying to figure out what's right for ourselves". The cool thing is, if you never take the initial step into the unknown you'll never know. I find that flailing around this new experience is a better option for me than being stagnant or unwilling to take the wild ride.

I've found that no "one book" has all the answers and each writer is just like us - trying to find what's best.

I really like Dr. Mercola's viewpoint on food. "Most" of it sits well with me.

I'll post this and start a new on because it's kind of long. You Vegans - don't hate me please. :p

A Strict Vegetarian Diet Isn't Healthy For Many
Although this review of studies has the right idea that changing your diet will make a profound impact on your health, it does not take into account that eating a strict vegetarian diet isn't healthy for about two-thirds of the population. Please see the article Processed Meats Play Role in Developing Colon Cancer (http://www.mercola.com/2005/jan/29/processed_meats.htm) that is also in this issue, where I expand on the type of individuals that seem to benefit from having meat in their diet.

That article will also explain the reasons that eating meat can produce health problems and ways to compensate for that so you receive the healthy benefits of meat without any side effects.
Of additional concern is that vitamin B12 (http://www.mercola.com/2002/jan/26/vegetarianism_myths_02.htm) is not absorbed very well, if at all, from plant sources and many extremist vegetarians who do not eat any animal products (vegans) frequently develop B12 deficiencies.

Additionally, while vegetarians correctly identify there are serious problems with most commercial meat sources, there are healthy sources available and my other article discusses some of those options (http://www.mercola.com/2005/jan/29/processed_meats.htm).

Lastly, avoiding animal products for most vegetarians means replacing them with "healthy grains." Well, I believe that if you have high blood pressure, there just simply isn't something like a healthy grain. And that is exactly what many vegetarians wind up eating, loads of grains that typically raise insulin levels and further increase their hypertension.

Treating and Preventing High Blood Pressure
I hopefully have abolished the vegetarian myth as the solution for hypertension. There are three important factors you should implement into your daily life to help normalize your blood pressure levels. They include:

Eliminating grains and sugars as described in my Total Health Program (http://www.mercola.com/forms/total_health_book.htm) can lower insulin levels (http://www.mercola.com/2001/jul/14/insulin.htm) and stop blood pressure from going up in most people. Following the nutrition plan will normalize blood pressure in about 75 percent of people.
Normalizing the common stresses in your life that tend to elevate blood pressure. Energy psychology tools like Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) (http://www.mercola.com/forms/eftcourse2.htm)can be very helpful here. You can check the free EFT manual (http://www.mercola.com/forms/eftcourse.htm) for further information on how you can learn this technique.
Getting 60-90 minutes of exercise a day (http://www.mercola.com/2004/nov/20/exercise.htm). I have said over the past few issues that this is the article I now link to when referencing exercise. Please remember that exercise is an important factor for those currently suffering from high blood pressure.

Dr. Mercola (http://www.mercola.com/2005/jan/29/vegetarian_blood_pressure.htm)

[TeePee]

Hi,

I have been feeling badly this week, I am sure due to pollen as everyone else in the Northeast!!! But, this time it affected me not in my sinuses as in the past, put in my throat and neck. My school nurse said I had swollen glands. I have not taken anything for the pain or congestion. (MUCH TO MOTHER'S DISMAY!!!) I gargled with salt water, upped the garlic intake and added more greens and green smoothies. For as crummy as I felt from Weds-Friday, I am feeling better today. I gotta tell you, before all this cleansing and raw, I would have been at doc's immediately on ceftin or some other antibiodic and decongestant and suffered probably 5-6 days. I am more and more certain as I have these litttle "episodes" that my body WILL do its best to clean up on its own and throwing pills in, just slows that process down because now it has to also "process" the pills I've added to the mix!!

Many people would say that is crazy, but it has been my experience. Again, I don't think raw foods will make me immune to pollen, but maybe raw foods will make my body stronger to deal with the pollen each year. And who knows, maybe by next year, even stronger!!!

I am off to nephew's b-day party in Ocean City. I guess I will whip up some gauc and taco "meat" to take along.

Have a great Saturday ladies!!!!8)

[Res]

My hair issue started over a week ago and I can say without exaggeration that "comb fulls" of hair come out each time I wash so I'm petrified to wash my hair. It's bad enough that wearing it down makes me uncomfortable.

I have (supposedly) hypothyroidism. My doctors ALL SUCK and my insurance won't pay for Naturopath's/homeopaths and they're just too expensive for out of pocket. I can mope about or figure out how to do this myself - which can cause tears of frustration at times but then I get determined and march on. Oh, and dark greens? Well, supposedly I have to give up all collards, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, the list goes on and on, due to hypothyroidism. :o

I agree that going all raw is a HUGE change and my body is wondering what's going on and I'm glad I'm not eating the way I was and don't ever want to fall into that trap again. Similar to what Kathy said, "something's happened". I think the cleanse was a stepping stone but the RAW Challenge really clinched it for me. I have no desire for the high sugar, high fat comfort food I was eating. I'm learning to find nutricious comfort food ;) (because I still get pulled towards the comfort food) and I remember how "BAD" I'd feel after stuffing my face with it the old way. It's just not worth it.

Ginger: I envy your workout schedule but I'm also challenged by it. The exercise is sort of like the last piece of the puzzle. A new puzzle always kicks into gear but that's the missing piece of the current puzzle. Something keeps telling me that exercise is key.


Kathy: You hit on a good point - a conclusion that I came to after ending my cleanses and then when I started eating raw. After the cleanse incorporating food back in made me feel bad and I thought "allergies". But I've never really had food allergies that I'm aware of.

The first week of eating raw, I developed sinus issues, as if I was getting a cold or detoxing and it felt like "allergies". So now I'm wondering if I'm allergic to certain foods or if I have to buy all ORGANIC. I like paying less for things... ;) and although I wash my veggies maybe there's something on the vegetables/nuts etc that's doing it.


Sim was it you who talked about having your blood analyzed? My Boss just ordered the machine that does that. I'm not sure if she has it yet but I'm ready to get in line. It's such a fascinating concept and I'd like to see if it really works for me.

Who else was it that mentioned being Vegan/Raw doesn't exempt you from getting sick? My Doctor just diagnosed me (over the phone) as having strep throat and prescribed anti-biotics. I'm going to google "treating step without anti-biotics". Although it doesn't feel like strep.


Kathy: Sorry, TeePee, but I think I have to hate you! ;)
LOL


Teepee: When you state, "vegan" are you including any eggs? I'm asking because I've read excerpts from "vegan's" who say they use Organic eggs and if that's the case what the difference between Vegan and Vegetarian? Or is there? Sorry if that's a stupid question.:o Remember you're talking to a former primarily SAD raw newbie. :)


While scanning Cohen's message board I read a unique disclaimer that almost seemed to contradict what she's all about. In reality I don't think it does and the message she was trying to get across is "Don't make this stressful!". LOL :D

This is all so perplexing and I feel like I'm taking up everyone's time with my issues so I apologize if I'm monopolizing the thread right now.

Gonna take my box of kleenex, lemon water, pillow and blanket and go watch a DVD but I will leave you with this, I absolutely LOVE all of you. http://us.a2.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/a/ya/yahoo_personals3/personals_heart.gif

~Res

[mtmouse]

Hi all,

I just made up HealthyBiz's eggplant tacos, oreo-style. I used a regular-sized eggplant, not huge but certainly not tiny, and I filled my "cookies" substantially, and I still had plenty of filling left over. Of course, I did cut the slices thicker than I would have had to had I wanted to try to fold them over. But I like my method much better, since probably half the eggplant is too small around to think about folding. I did go through the "softening" procedure in the recipe, though I doubt I'd do that again; I think you need to do that only if you are going to do the folding.

The filling is delicious, though, so there's no doubt in my mind that this will be a terrific way to eat raw eggplant!

Anyway, they're in the food dryer now and I plan to have them later today, either for lunch or dinner. I'll report back in!

[Sim]

Hi Beautiful Inside-and-Out Res~I have a few questions for you, all coming to you with love and affection. Why do you say you "supposedly" have hypothyroidism? Have you taken a blood test to find out for sure? If you have, don't you trust the results? If you haven't...Okay, I'm scolding you now :eek: for the following: you said: "My doctors ALL SUCK and my insurance won't pay for Naturopaths/homeopaths and they're just too expensive for out of pocket." Res, we've all just spent tons of money on dehydrators, blenders, juicers, spiralizers...I'm begging you to find the bucks to go to a good naturopath/homeopath who will analyze your blood and tell you what's going on with you, including your hair loss (which for me is also so scary...when I see tons of hair in my shower, I want to cry. I DO cry!)

"I can mope about or figure out how to do this myself - which can cause tears of frustration at times but then I get determined and march on. Oh, and dark greens? Well, supposedly I have to give up all collards, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, the list goes on and on, due to hypothyroidism."
Res, maybe a naturopath could tell you if you really do have hypothyroidism and even if you do, he/she can tell you what you can do besides giving up the greens or instead of giving up the greens.

Then you said, "Something keeps telling me that exercise is key." Yes! I believe you said Dr. Mercola keeps telling you exercise is key! You sent us that wonderful article and the last thing the good doctor talks about is the importance of 60-90 minutes of exercise per day!

"After the cleanse incorporating food back in made me feel bad and I thought "allergies". But I've never really had food allergies that I'm aware of. The first week of eating raw, I developed sinus issues, as if I was getting a cold or detoxing and it felt like "allergies". So now I'm wondering if I'm allergic to certain foods or if I have to buy all ORGANIC...and although I wash my veggies maybe there's something on the vegetables/nuts etc that's doing it."

I'm wondering the same...but I definitely think it's likely that pesticides on non-organic veggies can give you a scratchy throat and congestion. I've experienced it myself and someone on another thread wrote about it too. Again,we have to think about whether the extra money is worth the health benefit. I've decided to buy organic and maybe eat a little less of it because it IS expensive but my health is worth it. I hope your health is worth it too because we love and adore you. :D

"Sim was it you who talked about having your blood analyzed?"
Yes, it was me. My new naturopath does it...yes, I've ditched the old fashioned doctor and am taking charge of my own care through someone who is more on my wavelength. Raw is empowering in more ways than physical!

"Who else was it that mentioned being Vegan/Raw doesn't exempt you from getting sick?"
That was me, too, Res. Be careful with strep though...some things do actually require antibiotics. But Coxsackie virus can look and feel like strep, so how can a physician diagnose over the phone? At the very least, you can go to a walk-in clinic and get a strep test. You certainly don't want to take antibiotics needlessly, only when indicated.

True vegans do not include eggs or any product that comes from animals. In fact, true vegans don't even wear leather (Payless shoes has a large vegan clientele, since so many of their shoes are not leather!) And Res, you know: there are no stupid questions! (Okay, I AM a teacher and I've said that to my students a thousand times:)

"This is all so perplexing and I feel like I'm taking up everyone's time with my issues so I apologize if I'm monopolizing the thread right now."
I feel like everything you're writing about and asking and thinking about out loud are the things we're all grappling with to some degree or another. Thank YOU for sharing out loud and saying all the things that are rattling around.

And Res, we absolutely love you too. :o I'm so glad we have each other:o

[mtmouse]

"This is all so perplexing and I feel like I'm taking up everyone's time with my issues so I apologize if I'm monopolizing the thread right now."
I feel like everything you're writing about and asking and thinking about out loud are the things we're all grappling with to some degree or another. Thank YOU for sharing out loud and saying all the things that are rattling around.

That's for sure! No one has to take any time at all with any of us. If we don't want to read something, we can skip it! So I don't think any of us should ever apologize for contributing to the discussion! If we want to respond, we do. If we want to lurk, we do!

I for one think all these questions and all this wondering and all this searching is really helpful!

And I'll second everyone: I LOVE you all!

[TeePee]

Res,

You are too much!!! I was ready to answer all your questions, but our Amazing Sim already took care of it!!! And mtmouse and Sim both already stated that you never have dumb questions (teacher here too!!!). They are all questions that we have all had or will have at some time in the future, so they are a benefit to all!!

And Sim is right, a true vegan does not include eggs. Or leather. I do not eat eggs, but I'm sorry, I haven't given up leather yet!!

So I went to the party for my nephew. I took collard leaves to roll up with gauc and taco meat for BF and myself. My sister had salad of course and small veggie tray. She also had a platter of chicken from a taken out place- honey mustard, bbq, cajun; a sub tray, pasta salad, asian coleslaw, corn tortilla chips and salsa, and on and on. And ya know, NOTHING appealed to me but those DAMN CORN CHIPS!!! I didn't have any but, what is it in them that catches my attention more than anything anywhere in months of raw?!?!?! I guess my obsession with making them myself and they don't come out right!!! Res, talk about flirting with food and the challenge!!! I have a personal challenge to beat the cooked corn chips with raw!!! I have gotten potatoe chips the way I want, zuchinni chips, but not corn!!! I WILL WIN!!!

Have Cohen's bagel in the DH!!

We are lucky to have each other!! I love all you guys too!!:o

[Sim]

[QUOTE=TeePee]... And ya know, NOTHING appealed to me but those DAMN CORN CHIPS!!! I didn't have any but, what is it in them that catches my attention more than anything anywhere in months of raw?!?!?! I guess my obsession with making them myself and they don't come out right!!! ... I have a personal challenge to beat the cooked corn chips with raw!!!...I WILL WIN!!!

My dearest TeePee~:D (and everyone else, of course, who's get a corn chip jones!)Try this recipe because it comes from my future alma mater, Living Light Culinary Arts Institute! And TeePee, even though you don't need another guac recipe, I'm including this one because it sounds like an interesting variation (pineapple? Well, if it can be found on pizza, why not in guac?) Disclaimer: I haven't tried this yet, but that's only because I'm cleansing. It will be the first thing I try when I'm able. Anything with the words "red" and "pepper" and "dragon" and "chips" cannot be bad! Oh! and for really hot cayenne, that African bird variety is smokin' hot! I'm up to 3/8 teaspoon in one cup of lemonade and the burn lasts forever. I just love it, so if you're looking for really hot, that's the ticket!

Red Pepper Dragon Chips
Yield: about 9 dozen chips (serves 18)

These fiery hot, crispy, crunchy chips were created by Living Light chef instructor, Cassandra Durham. They are satisfying spicy chips that go perfectly with smooth and creamy Traditional Mexican Guacamole or Avocado Salsa.

1 cup chopped fresh basil leaves, firmly packed
6 red bell peppers, chopped (about 6 cups)
2 teaspoons chili powder
1/2 teaspoon cayenne
1 teaspoon crystal salt
1 1/2 cups purified water
2 cups golden flax meal

1. Put the red bell peppers in a food processor outfitted with the "S" blade, and process until smooth. Add the basil leaves, chili powder, cayenne, and salt, and process again until smooth.
2. Add the water and flaxseeds, and process once more until smooth. (Makes about 6 cups batter.)
3. Let stand for 30 minutes to thicken.
4. Spread the mixture on dehydrator trays lined with nonstick sheets (2 cups per tray). Dehydrate at 105 degrees for about 6 hours, or until the chips are easily removed from the sheets.
5. Flip the nonstick sheets over onto the mesh screen and gently peel the sheets off the partially dehydrated cracker batter.
6. Using a pair of kitchen shears, cut the cracker into 16 squares (4x4). Then, cut at a right angle through each square, to split each one in half and create a total of 32 triangles per sheet. Continue to dehydrate for 6 to 8 hours, or until the chips are completely dry.
7. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to three months.

Avocado Salsa
Yield: 2 1/2 cups (2 to 3 servings)

Salsa and Guacamole are classic raw foods that everyone enjoys and are standard favorites among raw food enthusiasts. Avocado Salsa brings the two together with flair and sophistication. It may not be what you will serve the guys during the Super Bowl, but if you want to impress your more sophisticated dinner guests, this will do it!

2 Roma tomatoes, finely diced
1 avocado, peeled, seeded, and finely diced
1/2 cup finely diced pineapple
1/2 cup cucumber, peeled, seeded, and finely diced
1/4 cup chopped cilantro, packed
1 green onion, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons finely diced red onion
1/2 red jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced
1 1/2 teaspoons lime juice
1/4 teaspoon crystal salt

1. Combine all of the ingredients in a large bowl, and stir to mix.
2. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to twelve hours.

[Ginger]

I've been out all day with the grandkids. And guess what?! They have strep throat and they're loaded up with antibiotics and motrin. I'm praying I don't come down with it. The last thing I want is to ruin my cleanse with antibiotics.

Res - I can totally relate to how you feel about doctors. I'm not exercising now. That was my "used to" schedule. I can barely get through the work day anymore. I'm hoping that with my raw diet that will improve.

Why is it everytime I check this thread there's something on my mind that you guys are talking about LOL.

Ya'll are making me jealous with all the goodies you've been whipping up. I'm fighting to find the time to prepare my food.

Teepee - hope you feel bettere soon. Enjoy OC. I love it there. Especially off season.

Gotta say - Teepee, Res, Sim, Kathy, I just think you're a bunch of amazing women. I'm so blown away by your intelligence and efforts.

[mtmouse]

Update on the eggplant tacos: so-so. :(

They were still kind of soft when I was ready to eat them, but the eggplant was a little difficult to bite through without smashing the insides out the sides. (I think it would be worse if dried crisper.)

I ended up putting five of my "cookies" on a plate and then making a chili sauce (Cohen) to put on top of them. I cut them with a knife and had it with salad. It was all perfectly fine and good, but not terribly exciting.

I still have half the recipe left. I'll certainly finish it, but I don't think I'll make it again without some radical alterations, none of which I can actually think of right now.

But oh man, I am definitely going to make those chips! I love that they don't have corn! Res, here are your not-rosemary crackers!

[mtmouse]

The variable speed is nice and I always start low and go up to 10 then high if needed. It keeps all the ingredients from flying up to the top of the container and getting gunked up on the lid.

This is actually pretty compelling, and may well be worth $50, IMO.

[HealthyBiz]

mtmouse - Thanks for giving the Tacos a try. If you peeled the eggplant, would that make it easier or tastier? I guess we all had high hopes. Still in search of the great raw eggplant recipe. :(

I come off my cleanse in the next few days. Feeling great. My husband asked me today if I would soon start eating cooked food again. I said I'd be eating solid foods again soon; did it matter whether it was cooked or not? Well, it does to him just for next week. We have guests coming into town and he doesn't want me eating all raw while they're here. That's OK; I wasn't ready to go all raw just yet anyway. I thought it was cute. I didn't realize he noticed I was eating mostly raw before the cleanse. :)

[mtmouse]

I did peel the eggplant, HealthyBiz. After all, they told me to! :rolleyes:

I'm not sure exactly what the problem was. I think I'd want to make the filling a lot more spicy than it was (although it was delicious on its own and would probably be great on spicy crackers!). Hopefully someone else will try it too, and maybe they'll have a different experience and enlighten us all.

So far, my favorite thing to do with eggplant is to marinate it and dry it crisp and use it for dipping.

[Ginger]

I just ordered Matt's box. i'll be eating well this week:D

[HealthyBiz]

I just ordered Matt's box. i'll be eating well this week:D
GingerI hope you enjoy the Box as much as I did! Just curious how much the cross-country shipping added to the cost. I look forward to hearing about your tasty treats. In fact, I think I'll go look up what's in this week's box, just to get prepared for your review. MMmmm, must be at that stage of the cleanse where I obsess about food. So please indulge me. ;):)

[Ginger]

GingerI hope you enjoy the Box as much as I did! Just curious how much the cross-country shipping added to the cost. I look forward to hearing about your tasty treats. In fact, I think I'll go look up what's in this week's box, just to get prepared for your review. MMmmm, must be at that stage of the cleanse where I obsess about food. So please indulge me. ;):)

Shipping was $25. It's being Fed exed. I'll give updates as I taste everything. Since I work so much, I'm having it sent to my office. :rolleyes:

[Res]

Thank you so much everyone for your comments. I'm really sick right now so this will be brief. What do you all substitute for chicken soup and gatorade when you're sick? What can I make that requires minimal "me" involvement. Yeah, I'm that sick.

Teepee I'm so sorry to hear that you're not feeling well this week. *hug*

Sim, thank you for the admonishment :) because even as I typed "I can't afford to pay a naturopath etc" I thought about the Vitamix (purchased last year after saving up for it) and the dehyratrator I bought this year (worked overtime for 6 weeks for it). My health "IS" important and I've already been sick far too often this year - which is weird and not normal. When this sickness passes I'm going to go full on into exercise. I'm at the point where I've talked myself into it already. I was supposed to start this weekend after Friday finals.

Kathy thanks for letting me know that those are my "not rosemary" crackers. :) I can't wait to try them.

HealthyBiz: I'm so darned glad to see you back here. :)

I *LOVE* the comment that someone made about "us talking about the very things you were thinking about outside of the board". :) Nice that we're all like-minded. :)

Ginger: In 1 (one) year I've been through "7" doctors. That's one full year of massive frustration and no answers from 7 professionals and no one even pointing me in the right direction, or any valid direction and I'm being fair minded with this comment. I'm still at square one. Hence, the cleanse, eating all raw, vitamins, self study and research, and a bunch of other things that I can think cleary about with this fuzzy headed feeling so before I launch into a full on pity-party I'm going to go.

And thank you all for your comments towards my insecurity moment about taking up your time. :)

I love you all,
~Res

so much for brief, huh?

[Sim]

[QUOTE=Res] In 1 (one) year I've been through "7" doctors. That's one full year of massive frustration and no answers from 7 professionals and no one even pointing me in the right direction, or any valid direction and I'm being fair minded with this comment. I'm still at square one. Hence, the cleanse, eating all raw, vitamins, self study and research, and a bunch of other things that I can think cleary about with this fuzzy headed feeling so before I launch into a full on pity-party I'm going to go.

Oh Res!!!:(
That's just awful, awful! I went through something similar,with sinus infections, fatigue, colds, arthritic feelings in my hands and knees, sleeplessness, sore throat,...you name it. I had them check for Lyme, West Nile..you name it. Ultimately, the doctor told me my blood indicated that I had Epstein-Barr virus, or rather, that I had the antibody and he couldn't tell if I had it or it was an old infection. For some reason, I thought that was funny. He suggested I lose weight, exercise a lot, get more rest...in short, he suggested I take better care of myself. I thought that was funny too. No medicine helped me...I, myself, helped me. If you've taken all the blood tests and nothing definite is coming back, maybe it's just your turn to fall apart a little until you can collect yourself. I'm not being funny here. I think there are times in our lives when the demands of taking care of others and our own body's needs just do not gibe well and something gives...and it's usually our bodies. We women have very complicated machinery and 50-something women have even more more complications than we used to. Be gentle on yourself, Res. Just make sure all the tests get done. And see the gyno...the weirdest symptoms can be related to gynecological "events". Just ask Fran Drescher. (She too saw 7 doctors in 2 years ---actually you gave me the chills when you posted that!--and she knew something was wrong but didn't know what. It was cervical cancer with symptoms that had almost nothing to do with anything gynecological....I'm not saying that's you, just that there's a need to check EVERYTHING). Most of all, DON'T GIVE UP. If you really think something's wrong, you must keep searching for a doctor who'll listen, after all, WE are listening.

No admonishment, Res...couldn't do that to you because you're special :D And you know what? Pity parties can be awfully good for the soul sometimes. You're allowed, at least for a little while until you feel better. And remember: we're all right here, listening and waiting for you to get better! *Big hugs*

[happyhappyjoyjoy]

I feel the love in this room...I was lurking and I usually keep tabs on you pros. Cause I wanna do what you all are doing. Trying to find the right frame of mind. Res, Your situation is very close to my moms. She hasnt felt good in years and everyone tends to tell her it is all in her head. I know it isnt. My mom is a very strong woman (like you). She is 70 yrs old with the mind and body of a 40 year old. She manages to put on a smiley face in front of everyone but I can see right through that. When I started the MC she was like..OMG YOUR GONNA STARVE....She lives 3 hours away so I managed to get thru 10 days without her tying me down and sticking IV in my arm.... When she saw me just recently she was in awe how i looked and how I feel..She is on her MC for 6 days as of today. So far so good. Sometimes I read her these posts in here and today I had read her Res's. I heard her cry for the first time in my life. Something in her is stirring to find a way to make her feel better. And I am so grateful for all of your support even though yall didnt know yall were supportin someone else that doesnt have a computer! You guys should feel great for what yall do. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU..

[Res]

Happy: Give your Mom a hug for me over the phone. It's amazing to me how "connected" we can be through cyberspace. This thread is chocked full of honesty, love, compassion. caring and I could go on and on. I know exactly how your Mother feels. Tell her *I'm on her side*. :) And "thank you" for caring about your Mom enough to read her our "stories".

Sim: I love you. I also love the fact that you're a "Teacher". I believe that is the next most important job in the entire world to being a parent.

I'm going to keep going until I find out what's going on with me and I may bump it up a notch by asking for "a complete physical". I don't like doctors and the older I get the more flawed they seem. Don't get me wrong - there are good doctors out there but they are needles in the haystack (sorry for being so negative - I'm just voicing my own experiences). The really good ones aren't mainstream either and charge a LOT of money. One homeopathic doctor I investigated only works 3 days a week for 6 hours a day and charges $600 for the initial visit and then $350 for each follow up. He doesn't take insurance. I read the patients comments about him and they were all fantastic. You get what you pay for. I'm leaning towards the "down-side" today because I'm sick and soon I'll be ready to take it all on again. :)

The support here - from all of you is priceless and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Love,
~Res

[Dawn C.]

I'm on Day 9, and I am not feeling so wonderful, it's disappointing because I thought I would see God by now. But I just want to eat processed food. It reminds me of when I quit smoking pot, I felt life without it wouldn't be worth living! And I'm feeling the same way now. Maybe I should keep going longer on the cleanse, until this feeling subsides? My dream is to be raw, I've tried so many times and given up, I thought this would help me get to a point where eating raw wasn't so depressing! Any ideas?

[TeePee]

Res,

Oh, you poor girl. Self-pity is okay. It is your mind telling your body to SLOW DOWN!! I really hope you find the right professional to help you. You know we are ALL pulling for you!!

My "chicken soup and gatorade" when I was sick came in the form of bananas, water, and pure peppermint tea.

So it was my sister's baby shower today. Not much in the line of food choices for me. Had some iceberg lettuce and cucumbers, but really I wasn't that hungry because I had a nice bowl of grawnola with banana and almond milk before I went. But there were the tortilla chips staring me down!! My sister's friends were like "WHAT?? You don't cook anything??" and sis of course is like "NO, nothing, she won't even drink tea!! She won't eat anything cooked, not even those peanuts because they're cooked!!!" It is so comical to me now to hear people's reactions. Then they want to know, "What's this diet called??" Uuuhhh, it's called eating raw food!!!

Oh, how lucky we are to be in the know!! As a teacher, I want to tell everyone about this and how to do it and on and on, I get so excited. But so many people just aren't ready!!! They really think it is insane!! I am so glad for the support here and to know that if I am insane, I'M IN GOOD COMPANY!!!:D

[HealthyBiz]

Res - Lemonade! So, so very sorry you're still feeling sick. Wish I could put on my white smock and rush over to fix you something. Not to be funny, but if I'm feeling under the weather, I fix a lemonade with MS and cayenne. If it's sinuses, I make sure to use my Neti pot and rinse out my sinuses well with warm salt H2O. I think I would drink lots of water and if it's a digestive thing, might even do a SWF in the morning to see if it clears out some of the toxins that are overacting. I wouldn't go on the cleanse, but I'd do some of these things. And I'd whine. Big time, I'd whine and groan - I hate to be sick, especially if it lasts a while. I might soak in Epsom salts and mint - something to soothe AND open the sinuses. Mostly I'd whine and go to bed early and try to sleep in. Sorry I don't have any earth-shattering recommendations.

Oh, about the 7 docs. For years, I had been thinking about finding a way to go back to school and study medicine (I had researched several schools and started the application process) when my health started to challenge me. My string of doctors is so unimpressive and some close to malpracticing that I was pretty quickly cured of any desire to study western medicine. But I did find a good primary care physician. Caring, good listener and she has always gone along with any tests and other treatments I've suggested, so that works for me. But I have to very actively seek most of my own answers.

I wish I had more words of wisdom for you. Without that, I'll just send my love and healing thoughts! :)

[peanutterb]

Res
I haven't been paying attention to the threads but I see you're not well. I've never done chicken noodle soup or gatorade, so here are my go-tos:

ginger tea - cut up some fresh ginger, put it in a pot and let it boil. then drinkk. i usually mash it thru a cloth to make sure i'm getting everything.

garlic tea - same process

biting into a clove of garlic

1 - 2 tbs apple cider vinegar in 8oz water. I prefer it warm and i sip on it. also good to gargle with if your throat aches. add some cayenne and/or honey if you like.

hope you feel better soon

lemonade - burroughs style

green smoothies, with garlic and ginger

juicing for 2-3 days with the swf

[Ginger]

Res - we all feel rough sometimes, and it's good to have someone to listen. Whine at us anytime. I plan to whine when necessary.

I love all the good ideas for "natural chicken soup". Keep 'em coming.

I just got back from the doc's office. I wanted to get a B12 injection. I saw my PA, who listens better than "Doc Hollywood' I call him that because he's VERY goodlooking, but not too deep. :D Anyway, my PA wouldn't give me the B12. She said we need to run a full blood panel first. And I'll only get it if I have a B12 deficiency or am anemic. Ihad already eaten, so I'm stopping by the lab tomorrow morning.

Question: Since the cleanse my eliminations are very loose and grainy. Is this a common experience?

[Res]

TeePee, HealthyBiz, Sim, Ginger & Peanut:

You Ladies are the absolute best. I'm actually feeling a bit better today - not well enough to go to work but I'm on the up. Thank you for your compassion and encouragement. :)

How could I forget about apple cider vinegar and fresh ginger tea? I had a few glasses of lemonade. Your suggestions are fantastic. I didn't even think about doing a swf. Not sure if I'm up to it yet but it's on the menu.

Teepee - another Teacher. I just love it! Yes, although insane you're in good company. :)

Healthybiz: I can see you in that smock. :) Thank you for the suggestions. I'm encouraged to keep searching for a doctor.
You nailed it on the head when you said "I have to actively seek my own answers". How sad really.

Sim: In response to the "supposed hypothyroidism". I found the Master Cleanse by intense research and rabbit trails. I was feeling so bad I knew I had to do something and wasn't getting any support from my doctor. Someone at work told me about a doctor (homeopathic) in Arizona (I live in california) who would be able to diagnose me by a saliva sample. So, I sent the q-tip, started my first Master Cleanse and 2 weeks later got a call from the dr's office telling me that I had a thyroid problem. The sent me medication but I didn't take it because of the cleanse. I waited 2 more weeks, finished my first cleanse and started on the medication. They told me it would take 2 months to feel better. Six-weeks later I went back on the Master Cleanse and continued with the medicine. Unfortunately the story is longer and with a lot of different twists.

I went to an Endochrinologist and had blood tests. She said she would call me back to discuss the results. Her assistant called me back and said, "it's normal". I said "what's normal? Can we dig into this a bit more, can you have the doctor call me?" That was 6 months ago - I never received a call. *I just called her and left a message. This really fired me up thinking about it. lol :D

Ginger:That's interesting that they wouldn't give you the injection. I get mine from a dermatologist. He's the last doctor I saw about my hair falling out - he's the one all the other doctors told me couldn't help me.

It's just a B12 injection. I don't understand what the big deal is about having to take a blood test first. Maybe I'm missing something. It's like taking extra Vitamin C I would imagine. I think the B12 helped me feel better quicker.

Also, do you all know about Hydrogen Peroxide in the ears? I read an article (I can give you the link if you'd like) that indicates that germs/sickness doesn't enter through the mouth/nose like they thought but it comes in through the ears. Hydrogen peroxide is supposed to knock out the sickness. Yesterday I did it every 4 hours.

I hope everyone is doing well today.

Love,
~Res

[Ginger]

OMG :eek: :eek: :eek: I'm at work and my phone rings. It's Matt Amsden calling to see if I want this weeks menu or next. I was totally speechless. I couldn't believe he was calling to check on an order. OK, I feel better now that I've told ya'll. And all I could think about was you guys saying he needed to eat more :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

[Res]

How fun! I ordered a box on Sunday - my BD is Friday so that's my present to myself. :)

So - what are your favorite Raw Cakes? I'm going through Cohen's book to see what's appealing. My all time favorite cake is German Chocolate. :o

Oh, a strange thing happened in the grocery store today - first of all I shouldn't have been there. I don't think I was ready to be out of my house. But I had the strangest "pull" towards foods that I don't eat any longer. I can't explain it because that doesn't do the feeling justice, but it was like a fog of some sort. It wasn't any food in particular actually, it was more like the "isles". Cereal, canned foods, packaged foods - I wasn't "tempted" but I felt empty as if I was leaving without something or leaving something behind. Weird huh?? It was tangible and even as I think about it that feeling comes back.

Anyway - so Ginger, which box are you getting? :D

Love,
~Res

[Sim]

Ginger~ That's too funny about Matt...I think he could probably have slipped through the fiber optics and the little holes in the phone to talk to you in person!:D After the cleanse, it took a week to have a normal BM, then I started going every single time I ate a meal! It was fabulous, since I've been constipated my whole life. Cleanse cured that, too. No, I've not had grainy eliminations. I'm going to say something ridiculous here: are you eating a lot of grains, wheat, oats?

Res~ I have so much information for you! If maybe you were to clean out your private message box, I could send it to you! :D That is quite a doctor trail you've been following...I bet you're exhausted just from getting the runaround! (Hey, it IS a form of exercise :p ). I know just what you're talking about and sometimes I think we can't believe any of the doctors. And how dare that endocrinologist not call you back?! Yes ma'am, you paid your money and got no service. That sucks. But I'm doing an experiment, just to show you how evil I can get: I went to the lab today to get the blood tests my doctor (who I will not be using any longer after we talk about my blood results) asked me to get. He won't be back until next week. Anyway, after that I made an appointment with a very well respected naturopath who can't see me until June 11th, but that's okay, since I see the other doc June 6. The naturopath, an Indian woman very involved in Ayurvedic medicine as well as traditional medicine and who is the founder of the CT Naturopathic chapter of the American Naturopathic Association (or whatever its official name is) requires that I fill out a majorly detailed history of my health and lifestyle practices and any ailments, aches, pains, complaints mild or acute, emotional or physical. Then I mail it back. Then she reviews it before I see her. Then for our first visit, she takes ONE HOUR to talk before she even examines! It is a scheduled one hour and 1/2 visit!!! Then there are various things that happen, depending on the patient's condition. The return visit is 3/4 hour to analyze what's gone on since the first visit. I am so psyched...I know she'll do a blood analysis and I'm curious to see what happens between the first analysis from the traditional, old fashioned guy who refuses to give B12 shots because "they're archaic", he said, and the naturopath who seems almost magical to me, given the reviews I've heard about her work. The best part: it's covered by Blue Cross Blue Shield. I can't wait to tell you all how this plays out.

Today when I went to give blood, nothing came out. I'm not kidding! This has never happened to me and of course, I worry that it's the cleanse. I'm thinner than usual, something I never in my life thought I'd be able to say and it's fun but also a little scary...could this thinness ruin me? Obviously I love to eat and it's just the cleanse kind of thinness that's occurring now. After the cleanse, I'll gain a little, of course. But today was kind of funny. The tech then poked the other arm and he almost couldn't get the blood to flow from that one either. Then he asked if I were a zombie. I told him yes, but only at 4:45 am. Then I come alive by five.

I'm getting the weirdest feeling that we all need to meet. I don't know how this would be possible, but where there's a will, there's a way. I know that when I look on the other threads, I'm not inclined to love the posters the way I've come to love and care about you all. Maybe it's a peculiar serendipity that shouldn't be ignored.

I know I'm not doing raw at the moment, but if it's okay with all of you, I prefer to read your posts and stay with you all. I'm very attached :D

Great piece of news: my 22 year old son has decided to do raw accompanied by some beef, chicken, and fish. He's foregoing most cooked food for the moment. I'm glad he's at least going to try the experiment.

Okay friends. Time to do more research. I did buy my citrus press today at, of all places, Williams-Sonoma. Same price as online and I have it in my kitchen right now! Now to order the Vitamix...;)

[Res]

Sim! How interesting... about an hour ago I was thinking about all of us meeting. :) Sorry about my mailbox: I emptied it earlier after getting a "deny" when I tried to respond to someone. lol.

I can't wait to hear from you after visiting "both" of your doctors and getting the results! This will be interesting for a bunch of reasons. If the two results conflict, are you going to mention it to the MD?

An hour and a half! :eek: You know of course you're steering the boat and we're all going to be going the same direction. ;) I'm going to pull out my insurance information and see exactly what's covered!

That's weird about the blood test and you being on empty. I wonder what's up with that! :o

Of course you can stay with us even if you're not all raw!! :p We wouldn't have it any other way! What would we do without you?

I'm so happy that your boy is going to go raw +. :D I'm surprised that a 22 year old male is willing to do so. :) For how long?

Earlier I had a taste of heaven. If any of you haven't had a "young coconut" DO IT! I read that the inside was like pudding - and OH IT IS. What I loved the most though was the juice/milk. WOW! After spilling a bunch of it due to the way you have to whack the top off, I managed to salvage the rest and it was "love at first sip". I don't ordinarily like coconut juice just to drink so I mix it into recipes but THIS! Heaven in a glass. Wow. :)

Well I'm off to bed. Back to work tomorrow but only for two days.

Love to all,
~Res

[Ginger]

Res - I LOOOOOVVVVEEEEE coconut water. I bought a big cleaver and hack away at the top till I punch a hole in it, pour the water in a glass and finish taking the top off. Here there's a grocery store that sells them 10 for $10. (Actually my BF is a manager for the chain) It's always a treat to find one that's very young and eat the sweet meat. yummy. I ran out yesterrday. Gotta buy more!! I bought my Box on Sunday too. The reason he called was he had one box left from this week and asked if I wanted it, or to wait and get next week's.

Isn't it crazy about the B12? I certainly don't want to be anemic or whatever, but we'll see.

Cake? I'm trying to avoid sweet stuff. It sets me off. I usually have a little fruit at night before bed. I'm afraid once I start eating sweets I won't be able to stop.

Sim - I so agree that we should meet. I have been eating some rolled oats in the morning (muesli), but I think it's more the nuts that are causing it. I wish you luck with the naturopath. I'm surprised insurance will cover it. Maybe I better start looking at my coverage. But, I know it pretty much sucks. That was too funny about Matt slipping through the phone. Now I have this ridiculous picture in my head.

I was ALMOST a teacher. I left school one semester before I'd have graduated. Long story. Now I manage about 100 employees at a Transit system. If ya'll ever come to DC, I'll take you on a tour.

[HealthyBiz]

Res- A quick tip on getting the 'water' out of a young coconut: It takes a screwdriver and a hammer! Really! Poke out 2 to 3 of the 3 indents at one end. Up-end the coconut into a glass or bowl to drain. Then you can crack it open without spilling the nectar. I agree about how wonderful they are. Sounds like you're feeling better. Hope so! (You probably figured this out, but be sure to clean the screwdriver pretty well BEFORE poking out the coconut eyes!) ;)

Ginger - why didn't I realize you're from DC? I think I'll be there in August. I'll let you know if my plans firm up. I used to live in Fairfax. I love D.C.

Funny how many of us are teachers. Most of my teaching is here, but I travel sometimes. In June I'll be in Phoenix and San Francisco. And, yes, to all, I'm game to meet. That would be such fun. We're so spread out - from NYC to midwest to northern & southern CA. Maybe we'll just call it a virtual meeting. Oh, but I guess that's what we've been doing. :rolleyes: I'd prefer to see you face to face. :D

Oh, BTW, B-12 and a naturopath are on my list to check out with my doctor or on my insurance plan.

[Ginger]

Ginger - why didn't I realize you're from DC? I think I'll be there in August. I'll let you know if my plans firm up. I used to live in Fairfax. I love D.C.



Cool Healthybiz. You're sure a long way from home. I'm a Montgomery county native, and have lived all over the area, from falls church to laurel to frederick county, md. I've worked for Metro for over 28 years. Keep me posted on your plans for august. But, I'll be out of the county from the 18th to the 25th. Headed for Curacao. 8)

[Res]

Ginger: The "cake" request was for my birthday this Friday. I plan to celebrate with a raw cake. :D I think I may have found one - it's a black forest cake in Cohens book. She said she and a friend ate the entire thing one evening but doesn't recommend it. lol

Curacao? You'll be there, Sim will be in Ireland. Can you see me green with envy? :p For me it's the UK or Bust! :)

Healthybiz: Holy crap why didn't I think of the screwdriver? I use it with regular coconuts... Talk about tunnel vision and not thinking out of the box. :o Because the young coconuts look so different and the instructions said to whack it off with a cleaver - I didn't think there was any other way because THEY spilled their liquid too! lol I don't acutally have a cleaver so I used a really long BBQ spatula. It's not even sharp on the sides but the young coconut is much softer than the brown hard ones.

*The Flavor* floored me. It tastes so much different from the brown coconuts. I don't know if I'm making this up, but I remember "feeling" better after drinking and eating part of it - almost as if I had taken medicine and it was kicking in. I'm serious too. It "felt" medicinal without any bad side affects. :)

Oh - Ginger, I checked my reciept for the coconut (thinking whole foods probably charged me way too much) and it was only $1.99 - not as good as what you get but more than reasonable to me. :) EVERYONE needs to eat one!

Gotta get back to work.

Love to you all,
~Res

[TeePee]

Oh, you guys are so cool!!!

Coconut water is fabulous!!! I have such fun whacking the hell out of them!! My daughter gets so excited when I open them!!! I had to buy a cleaver!! I now like the way Cohen demonstrates how to open them in her DVD. Make several cuts on the top to create a hexagon shaped cut. Pop off the top to get the water out.

And the meat is like pudding, one of my FAVORITE recipes from Sarma is the chocolate pudding. the ONLY RAW my 7 year old daughter eats!! Fabulous!!


Now, I need to check my insurance to see if I am covered for this cool stuff!!!

I agree, we do all have to meet!!! As, I am late to meet one of my college roomates for lunch!! As I'm typing this, she is leaving me a message to be there at in an hour and I have to shower and an hour drive!!!

Yes, I took two personal days- today and tomorrow before the year wraps up!!! And I am sooooo glad!! (The sub is probably crying by now!!) Just scheduled my massage and pedicure for tomorrow and today I'm spending with friend, driving in convertible in 75 degree sunshine!!8) 8) 8)

Res, keep on the up and up!!!

Sim, are you using the Breville for your lemonade!!!!????? Do you love it??? I am ready to go juice my grapefruit in it before jumping in the shower!

Great day ladies!!! Love to you all!:D

[Res]

Oh great, now I need to buy Cohen's DVD. :p

TeePee have a fabulous time! You've given me a few great ideas for my days off this week. :)

Chocolate pudding? Oh my! The website I found that showed how to open the coconut also said to put the meat and a little of the juice into a blender, add a little vanilla and whip it up. It looked amazing pouring out of the blender. I'm going back to whole foods on Thursday and stocking up. :)

Love, love, love,
~Res

[Sim]

Arrrghhh! Now I want coconut and chocolate pudding and vanilla coconut whipped up and chocolate cake! But I'm only on Day 13 and I have several thousand more days to go! (okay, okay, only 27, but it seems like a thousand right now). My kids were making fun of me, saying that I should trump both Jesus and Moses and go for 41. :D

Res, it's not cake but my favorite pie is Raw apple from Jen Cornbleet with the coconut/walnut/date crust. It never stays more than 10 minutes in my house. I just can't have it near me or I inhale it. But if chocolate cake is calling to you, GO FOR IT! Birthdays come but once a year (and some people think that's a good thing but I think birthdays are just plain fun...if we didn't keep having them, we'd be dead!:p ) Yes, it will be interesting to see what each of the docs comes up with. I probably will not discuss discrepancies with the old conventional doc but will with the naturopath. And I bet she WILL give me B12 shots if she thinks I need it. Or anything else she thinks I'll need. For some reason, I feel really good about the impending visit, almost like a sixth sense. Close to what I felt about doing the MC and then Raw...it just seemed to make perfect sense. And if she's really good and I win Lotto, I'm sending for you all and you'll have consecutive appointments, one after the other.Then we'll come back here to my house where Matt Kenney and Sarma Melngailis will cater our lunch and dinner while we have manicures and pedicures. Oh, I have such a rich fantasy life! :rolleyes:

Ginger~I LOVE DC and I'm convinced that the transit system is the best in the whole country. Now I know why...YOU'RE running it! :) Yes, by all means, find out about health insurance coverage and the naturopaths. Nothing to lose!

HealthyBiz~you sure do get around! Let us know when you'll be in DC; might be a good semi-meeting place.

TeePee! You and your food ideas! You're driving me to drink! (lemonade). Yes, I'm using my Breville and it's so easy...but I'm not sure it gets out ALL the juice. But if I'm missing one full teaspoon, I don't care...it's just too easy and doesn't require any strength at all. Thank you thank you thank you for the info AND YES, I ordered my Vitamix Super 5000 yesterday...and here's something: I called Vitamix and asked why Everythingkitchens.com could get me a Vitamix with free shipping and then the Vitamix lady said, "Well, we could honor that if you'd like to order right now through us." So I did. Amazing. All I had to do was ask. I should have asked for a million bucks while I was at it :D
It'll be ten days at least until it arrives...they're on overload. But since I'm not eating yet anyway, I can wait. And happy manicuring....I'm jealous.

Tell me if I'm missing something: the young Thai coconuts that you're talking about the ones that are white with the pointy top, yes? And the brown coconuts are just regular ones and not with the pudding-y insides?

Okay, kids, off to plant something...this morning I worked at the farm...it's the CSA (community supported agriculture) I joined so that I could get organic produce all summer at a very reduced cost. I have to put in at least 16 hours and I've done that already and it was fun! I have a black thumb, so I was worried but today when I got there, I found that all the carrots, onions, beets, pole beans, and leeks that I had planted last month were growing nicely. See? Go Raw and get rid of a black thumb!

Love and more love, kids.

[Res]

Sim: hahahaha to just about everything you said! :D

My kids were making fun of me, saying that I should trump both Jesus and Moses and go for 41. :D
That would work if you were just drinking water... ;)

Yes the pointy white DELICIOUS young coconuts! Egads they're so dang good.

Hey I love your fantasy life. It keeps you young! :)

Oooh, you ordered your Vitamix!!! http://www.freesmileys.org/emo/bounce009.gif

Ack, work beckons...

Love,
~Res

[mtmouse]

Sim! You ordered your Vitamix! Now I have to hate you AND TeePee? Watch out, Res, you're next! But I have to feel sorry for you for a little while longer, so you're safe for now. :D Where's peanut?

Anyway, Sim, just how much did you pay for the Vitamix 5000 without shipping? I'm thinking about calling Costco to see who does the Vitamix road show (not till the end of July, boo-hoo!) and what model they will offer at what price, to see if it's worth forcing myself to wait.

And, ladies, today I made those ginger almond nori rolls for a brown bag lunch, and they were so fabulous I was sorry I had run out of nori and only made a half batch (supposedly one serving). And then I gave away one of the pieces, too! Poor me. But I tell you, they are great! I made them with one nori roll (all I had), spinach leaves, the ginger-almond mix, carrot slices, and red pepper slices. Then I ate them with sugar snap peas on the side while I was getting a foot zone balancing treatment! Yum all around!

[Ginger]

What am I going to do with you ladies...manicures, pedicures, foot zone balancing treatments....I gues I'l just have to get my pedicure this weekend. Aren't we spoiled? :D

Poor Kathy, getting jealous over the vitamix kids here. I know how you feel. I really need to get a dehydrator. That plastic ronco crap just doesn't cut it. When ya'll talk about the onion bagels, rosemary crackers etc, I just wanna bust my budget.

Sim - thanks for the kudos on our system. I just think it's great. Our employees are so dedicated and really go the extra mile for us. I'm proud to be a part of it. I'm working on my green thumb too. I planted some tomatoes on my deck (in containers) and they're growing like weeds. Makes me drool just thinking about fresh homegrown 'maters.

Res - that coconut recipe sounds yummy. Gotta try it. Let us know how your cake turns out. After eating one of Matt's rownies, I think that would make a great cake recipe. Are you planning to visit the UK soon?

Speaking of yummy. I got the box today. A few of my employees stood around as I opened it. When I said that nothing would be heated they looked at me strangely. I know they think I'm nuts LOL. I was a bit disappointed in the portions. It came in a big peanut filled box with a large freezer thingie. The food is in plastic bags. I had the marinated shitake sandwich with Matt's onion bread for lunch. It tasted soooo good, especialy the onion bread. But it was just one shitake and two small triangles of bread. Pretty, but not a full meal. Then I ate the brownie later. OMG :eek: Decadent!!!!! And very filling. I'll update more tomorrow.

Teepee - enjoy your personal days. With the long weekend, it should be great!

[mtmouse]

I was a bit disappointed in the portions. It came in a big peanut filled box with a large freezer thingie. The food is in plastic bags. I had the marinated shitake sandwich with Matt's onion bread for lunch. It tasted soooo good, especialy the onion bread. But it was just one shitake and two small triangles of bread. Pretty, but not a full meal.

Well, what did you expect with someone who looks like Matt? :eek:

LOL!

[HealthyBiz]

Ginger, Well, Sim beat me to the comment: DC has the best Metro in the world, as far as I'm concerned. And now I know why ... because you're managing it! (I know she already said it, but it bears repeating!) :) If I go to DC, we'll only overlap by one day. I have to leave on the 26th, I think. And you'll just be back from your diving trip, all tan and gorgeous. And maybe a little jet-lagged? Anyway, will let you know if I get out there.

Ahhhh, a Vitamix. Now it's me that's green with envy. I'm still using my ancient blender and my coffee grinder to substitute for a food processor. One of these days I'll need to break down and get one. But, I gotta confess, I went out and bought an ice cream machine this week to make the nut ice creams in my new uncookbook. Besides cost, I'm wondering where I'm going to store all my new toys?! :confused::):confused::)

[Sim]

HealthyBiz~ I got a Cuisinart ice cream maker from one of my sons (the raw one! He's as into food as I am) last Mother's Day and I love it...but I had to buy one of those stainless steel free-standing kitchen racks for all my toys! I keep the bowl of the ice cream maker in the freezer in a plastic ziploc bag so it's always ready for use. Now I'm wondering where oh where I'm going to keep the Vita-Mix. I know! I'll get rid of the cabinets!!! (I'd say I'd lose the stove and the toaster oven but there are some very stubborn people living here who insist on cooked food to go along with my raw).

Ginger and mtmouse~You answered my question: I figured Matt would not be overly generous in the portion department. He probably eats a teaspoon of eggless egg salad and gets full. Poor, poor boy. Well, actually, at a $100 per Box, rich, rich boy.

The Vita-Mix was $479 without tax and with free shipping, same price everywhere on the Internet except if you want one that's rebuilt, then it's $50 cheaper. That was the SUPER 5000, which includes one more booklet about grains (ooooh, a $10 value...how they could have the nerve to advertise that as a bargain, I have no idea) and the dry container for grinding grains and making dough. I know some people say it's not necessary, but since I don't have a coffee grinder for flax seeds, I figured it's a $110 item that actually cost "only" $80 by ordering the SUPER 5000. You know what? You can drive yourself crazy trying to get the best deal. I did know that I preferred to order from the company itself, rather than from one of the referral members. (I just assume---silly me---that if anything goes wrong, the company will not give the runaround whereas an Internet dealer might take awhile...but I could be all wrong about that). So I was pleasantly surprised when they voluntarily (after being asked about it) waived the shipping cost.
I knew I didn't want to wait until the end of summer for a home show where it would be demonstrated...and I'm not sure the possible $20 difference would have been worth the wait. As I said, a person could go crazy trying to figure all this out....

Ginger almond nori rolls? How did I miss that? How? What? Where?

Ginger! Get the Excalibur 9 tray with the built in timer...you won't be sorry, I promise.

Res~ Maybe it would work if I were walking on water, not drinking it! :D

"It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood," said a very wise man once upon a time. Enjoy your respective neighborhoods...see y'all later. :)

[mtmouse]

Ah, that's good. At least I don't need the SUPER because I do have a grain grinder already (and plus I hardly eat any grains). Finally I can buy at least one NOT-top-of-the-line item, LOL!

But I do have a countertop ice cream maker! And where are all these recipes for nut ice creams? The only ice cream I've been making (and I make it a lot and I love it, with cacao nibs and chocolate sauce, YUM!) is frozen bananas. I'm trying to cut down on the nuts, but I always want to know all my options! :p

The ginger almond nori rolls are in the Recipe Box thread, I think. They're from Ani's Raw Food Kitchen and the link allows you to watch a video. I think I'm going to have to buy her book! Those nori rolls are so different from all the other raw recipes I've tried, and her recipes sound so good!

[Res]

Kathy: I watched the Nori roll video yesterday. I love the fact that they killed the sound while she was grinding up stuff in the processor. Those will be on the menu sometime this weekend.

Today is my Friday (off tomorrow and friday) and I'm going to pamper myself which isn't something I do. I'm pretty excited and if my Box of food from Matt wasn't arriving today I'd pick up the ingredients for the Nori rolls on the way home from work.

LOL at the comment about Matt. :D I always feel inclined to feed him when I see a picture of him. ;)

Ginger: My box from Matt is arriving today. Did you get this weeks or last weeks? Yikes! Either way I'm happy about it because, when I got home late yesterday I went to look for something to eat - I didn't have any "Not Tuna" made up and absolutely NOTHING looked or sounded good to me. I really wanted a warm casserole! :o I had celery, tomatoes etc, etc but I had a salad for lunch and just wanted something "different".

Last week when my son was down, we ate at a "RAW" restaurant that until a few weeks ago didn't know existed right down the street from me. It was $$$$$ and not very good. I tried to talk myself into liking everything because it was RAW but I was totally disappointed. *We both got the sampler platter....

The UK trip *was supposed* to happen on April 26th - but circumstances dictated that it has to wait. Severly disappointed here but I'm making plans for the next window of opportunity. I have UK oriented stuff all around me. I can't wait to visit and actually be there. ~Dreams can come true~ :)

Sim: The deal you got on your Vitamix is better than I got at the fair where I purchased mine. They wanted an extra $100 for the grain grinder. So, to the Ladies waiting to buy one, this is a great deal. :)

Regarding the Dehydrator - Yes, the 9 tray with the timer was a wise suggestion which I took seriously. I can't imagine not having the timer because sometimes it runs overnight and stops in the morning when I wake up. If the recipe is FLAX oriented - I want to get it into the fridge as quickly as possible. And aside from veggies pretty much everything else I dehydrate has flax in it.

OH, where O where can I buy frozen cranberries this time of the year???? I tried 2 stores but no way. I'm in love with the Cranberry scones in Boutenko's book! I did buy frozen cherries but it's just not going to be the same. :(

Talk to you all soon.

Love,
~Res

[mtmouse]

Kathy: I watched the Nori roll video yesterday. I love the fact that they killed the sound while she was grinding up stuff in the processor. Those will be on the menu sometime this weekend.

...

OH, where O where can I buy frozen cranberries this time of the year???? I tried 2 stores but no way. I'm in love with the Cranberry scones in Boutenko's book! I did buy frozen cherries but it's just not going to be the same. :(


Yes, and they also snipped parts of the grinding, too! I'm sure it took longer than what they showed.

It's funny. Here I am in the boonies, and I can get frozen cranberries all year round at both my food coop and my local warehouse grocery! Stahlbush Island Farms brand, in paper containers. Maybe you could do a search and find a local distributor.

[HealthyBiz]

Well, Res, you can always find frozen cranberries right here in my freezer! I love them so much, I always buy extra bags of fresh berries over the holidays and stack them in my freezer, like a squirrel hoarding her nuts.... I'll toss you a bag...;)

Here's another vote for the 9-tray Excaliber Dehydrator with the timer. I'm so glad I took the suggestion of one of you to go top of the line with this one. I use it all the time. I have pineapple drying in it now. And I'm the only one in the house eating food from it. Still worth it.

mtmouse - Gotta run to my class tonight, but promise to post a nut ice cream recipe soon. OH, actually, just found one with young coconut meat instead of nuts. So.... will post that since it's a food of interest for us lately! :) I just saw that the pictures of the ice cream made with the ice cream maker looked like real i.c.; the raw i.c. that was just frozen didn't. I know myself well enough to know that texture makes a difference to me, so I'm looking forward to the creamy texture the machine will make. Here I am waxing poetic and I haven't even had time to try out ONE i.c. recipe yet! LOL!

Sim - I love your creative ideas! Let's remove our cabinets and stoves. Then, for sure, I'll have room for all my new toys! Where will my guests and my husband cook and what will they eat, you ask? That's why God made take-out food, I reply! And I'm letting them keep the fridge, generous me. ;):D

[mtmouse]

Hi all!

I just got home from the store, where I picked up new raw nori sheets (two packages at $6.65 apiece, :eek: but they do go a long ways--and I never double them up like Ani suggests). And as soon as I got home I made up my second batch of ginger almond nori rolls with the last half of the almond mix. Oh man, forget Mr. Mango! You can have him, Res--I have a new fiancé now! :D ** I love nori rolls of all kinds, but these are simply superb. I think, though, that I'm going to practice with a new technique. Instead of putting the almond mix on the spinach leaves and then piling veggies on top of those and then rolling (which doesn't give the nori anything to grab onto, and the veggies want to fall out when you pick up the pieces), I think I'll try mixing the veggies right into the paste first, and then patting that down. But it really doesn't matter: I go after every crumb anyway! LOL.

But my real find of the day was in our warehouse grocery store, where they had ripe (veeeeeeeeeery ripe!) organic bananas for $.10/lb! I actually got three bunches (the only three), probably 20 organic bananas, for $.65! As soon as I got home I sliced them and got them into the freezer. Some were so ripe they wouldn't have been salable at all tomorrow, I think. And now even if I never get any nut ice cream recipes, I'm set for a while! (But I'm sure someone will take pity on me, right?) :)

**I finally figured out how to the get accented "é" in here! (I wonder if it's because I use Firefox as a browser that the usual Alt+keypad doesn't work?) Anyway, I made one in Word and then copied it, LOL. What can I say, ladies, the lengths I go to for you! :D :D :D

[Res]

Gosh you guys are killing me!! Nori rolls, ice cream, dehydrated pineapple! :eek:

Healthybiz, how's this for not thinking outside the box. I watched the Donut hole video and wondered where I was going to get dehydrated pineapple. :rolleyes: hahahahahaha

Moving right along... I *USED* to have extra cranberries in my freezer. I LOVE the cranberry scones - hence the search for cranberries. Can you really throw that far? :p

Well Miss Fickle Kathy; I might just two time Mr. Mango myself. After all, he's been with all of you, the lout. ;)

I'm actually laughing out loud right now. I LOVE ALL OF YOU. You Inspire me!! I feel like I'm following Kathy around spying on her food. She's QUICK to jump on the new recipes and report back to us! I love the very positive energy that flows between us (and by the way LURKERS you're more than welcome to join us any time ;)).

Quick! Everyone hold up a lighter and sway! :p

http://www.mobiletopsoft.com/pocket-pc/newimg/Lighter_Venda.gif

OOOH, I got my box from Matt today!!! :D I'm so excited because today starts my holiday! And today starts my "exercise".... uh yeah! And today I eat food that I didn't make!! And I'm pretty sure it's good! :confused:

heh...anyway I'm pretty goofy right now so I'm gonna go - I love you all ya know! :p

Love,
~Res

[Res]

Ok, the box arrived in good condition. I like the way the box and food is packed.

So for din din I had tomato basil soup for a starter. I didn't really care for it much. It tasted more like carrot/lemon soup. But I ate half so there's half left for tomorrow.

Next, I pulled out the veggie cakes with dill dip. I ate half the veggie cakes (mmm mmm good!) but the dill dip was WAY TOO SALTY MATT! So that I'll finish tomorrow when I figure out how to cut the saltiness in the dip.

Next I had the Taco. Yes, yes and yes. It looked like a little portion but I grabbed a head of Red butter lettuce and (he provided a medium leaf and a tiny leaf) and I spread the "taco meat" in the lettuce leaves, used his salsa and enjoyed every last bite while licking up the crumbs.
*If anyone has Matt's book, does he have the "Taco meat" recipe in it? If so I'm buying his book.

Lastly I took about 1/4 or less of the strawberry parfait because it looked thick and decadent and guess what? It was!! It was delicious! :D I was really by the time I was done with dinner but it felt good. Obviously there's a lot of food left and I'll keep you updated on what's good and what's so-so. All in all I'm really glad I bought the box. If I had this stuff on hand I wouldn't have felt so lonely for food yesterday when I got home from work.

I hope everyone is doing well. :)

Love,
~Res

[mtmouse]

Next, I pulled out the veggie cakes with dill dip. I ate half the veggie cakes (mmm mmm good!) but the dill dip was WAY TOO SALTY MATT! So that I'll finish tomorrow when I figure out how to cut the saltiness in the dip.

You know, lots of people have a problem with the nama shoyu in his recipes making them too salty, too. He must have a salty tooth!

Maybe you can make a nut paste of some sort and add it to your dip to cut the salt.

There's nothing under "taco" in the index to his book. Don't know if it would be under another name.

[Ginger]

Res - we got the same box!! I'm planning on the tomato basil soup tomorrow. I ate 1/2 of the other soup today. It tasted very garlicy and "raw". OK, but I didn't love it. I had the raw pizza today and I was in heaven. I could llive off his onion bread. And the taste of sun dried tomatoes and olives Kathy - :mad: I paid .39 cents a lb for those same very ripe bananas today. I'm gonna HAVE to make the nori rolls when I'm done with "the box".

Thanks for the advice about the excalibur ladies. I'm trying to hold out for my birthday in October and get my BF to get it for me. He came in the kitchen, shook his head and said "You need a bigger kitchen" and walked away. I thought of you guys and removing the stove and microwave. :D I was making the coconut ice cream. (I bought a cuisanart ice cream maker a few weeks ago after I saw that recipe). I think I've died and gone to Raw Heaven.

Sim - I have one of those stainless shelves too. It's so loaded with kitchen gadgets I'm surprised it doesn't fall over!

My only complaint is that I'm not losing weight. I still have 40 lbs to go. I'm looking forward to the July cleanse!!!

I forgot to mention that when the PA took my blood pressure, it was 100/70. Pretty good for a woman whho weighs 178.

[kiropa]

yes, the taco meat IS in his book. it's under walnut taco meat, i think. i;ll look it up tonight when i get home.

i've ordered THE BOX twice. i still have food in my freezer. i found many things too 'saucy' -- so added LOTS of extra veggies & that helped a lot.

the mock chicken salad was UNBELIEVABLE! i also loved the nori roll, the chocolate coconut fudge & the big matt, enjoy!

[Res]

Kiropa! :D It's so nice to see you! It looks like I'll have to buy another book then... :rolleyes: ;)

I just had the pizza and wasn't real impressed (but that's ok I don't like a lot of cooked dishes either so I'm just finding my groove :)) - I'm making myself finish the other half of the soup. I added a dash of nutmeg but something is drowning out the flavor. I had a small bowl of the Strawberry parfait - it goes quick! That stuff is great! :)

I think, depending on how the rest of the food is - that I might order the box once a month. Already I can see that it's going to last days and days and not just hours like I originally thought.

I'm printing up a bunch of recipes from you guys. I forgot to get the spinach and mung beans from the grocery store for the Nori rolls and OH!!:eek: I'm in the process of making Cohen's black forest cake, page 488! *IF* you ever decide to make it, read the instructions first. I would've taken the pits out of the cherries while watching TV instead of standing over the sink in the kitchen. At first, all the chopping, pitting, mixing, cutting is really kind of fun - almost romantic in an "era gone by" way. You feminists don't take this wrong, but it's like getting in touch with yourself as a woman. I like it. But the pitting? I got over that around cake Layer 3... :rolleyes:

I wanted to take a picture to show you but the batteries are dead in my camera. I have layer 4 left to do - forgot to soak the cashews :mad: . This morning I bought the most beautiful scalloped red pie dish for the cake. :)

Anyway blah blah blah. Off to watch a DVD. :)

Love,
~Res

[happyhappyjoyjoy]

Hi Everyone!

Just jotting down a few lines to say mom is on her 10th day. She really had a bad detox day yesterday and today after the SWF she was better, thought I was gonna lose her to the yuckkys yesterday morning but she followed through and was so amazed at the fact the SWF makes life so much better. I think shes hooked! Anyways, she is going to follow a raw diet for a while and I have been online ordering her all kinda goodies for her. Dehydrator and a juicer. Today she went grocery shopping for veggies and fruits. She called me to tell me she hasnt felt this good in years. I can feel her glow over the phone. Next time I travel to her house I will be tryiing to get her online and into this forum. She lives in the middle of the woods and still is equipped with dialup. Plus, I gave her the computer for her birthday last year and I set her up and told her the basics. I dont think she even turns it on! haha Anyways, Thanks ladies. yall are the greatest even to folks that dont get here and read all of your posts. Amazing what a little good will do. HAPPY

BTW....She wants to start juicing wheatgrass... And she wanted to know about the pill form also. what do yall think?

[Ginger]

Res - you and I have different taste in the food. I loved the pizza and I like the tomato soup alot. Much better than the other soup. I thought the strawberry parfait tasted a little sour. I had the taco today. I agree the nutmeat was delicious. I bought his cookbook, so I'll have to check out the recipe. The cuke salad is fine, but I make one that I prefer.

Kiropa - Does the food freeze well? I'm thinking I might order once a month just to give myself a break from food prep. Do his menus rotate? Or are they different everytime?

All I can think about is those ginger nori rolls. I looooovvvvveee ginger. Now you know where the nickname came from :rolleyes:

[Res]

Ginger: Vive le difference. :) I had the marinated mushroom and it was ok. I tasted the brownie and knew instantly that I like the one posted in the lemonhead recipe box much, much better! I think you said you loved it. lol

I'm with you on ordering once a month. I like the idea of being "pampered" a bit. He does rotate the menu weekly.

I picked up on that "freezer" comment from Kiropa too. ;) That's a good idea. I can't wait to try the Nori rolls but at this moment I'm so full from eating all day. I just finished a mini watermelon and I'm ready to burst. :)

I hope everyone is doing well. It's awfully quiet in here today.

Love,
~Res

[Sim]

HI Kids~
Ooooh, so busy!!!! Sorry I haven't been around for 24 hours or so...I've missed you all and it's only been like a day and half!

Res~Matt's taco recipe in RAWvolution is on page 145: Soft Taco with Fresh Tomato Salsa.

Wait, ladies....it's Res' BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, RES!!!!!!!
♪♪♪Happy Birthday to you,♪♪♪
Happy Birthday to you ♪♪♪♪♪
Happy Birthday, Wonderful Raw Res-lady ♪♪♪
Happy Birthday to you! ♪♪♪♪
(We'll skip the "Are you one, are you two....)
Make it the best ever, Res! :D

Happy~ Great news about your mom! Look what a fine thing you've done!!!
I don't know anything about wheatgrass capsules or pills, just the real thing. And since the taste bothers some people, make sure your mom likes it before she bothers to go out and get some to juice, okay? I get my weekly shot of it from Wild Oats. I don't think I like it well enough to worry about growing it.
But it's all up to the individual, isn't it? :)

Ginger~ Awesome blood pressure...maybe the weight isn't coming off as quickly as you'd like it to, but obviously something good is going on in your body. Give your body a chance to catch up. In the meantime, enjoy good health.

As always, my buddies, I have a few pieces of news, some questions and comments and I need your advice. First of all, my Vita-mix came last night and I was so tired I couldn't even open it!!! I have so much going on right now that I'm swamped and all I want to do is prepare raw food and experiment and read books about it and become a chef :D (Maybe it's my second mid-life crisis? If so, it's a good one!) But my novel needs attention, so do my kids and husband and parents and colleagues...ugh, not enough hours in the day. And then there's my wish that I could just talk to all of you throughout the day because you're fun, funny and smart. Okay, I now have my Vita-mix and my Breville citrus press, which is my dream come true. I've done a quart of OJ yesterday and today for my son's cleanse breaking and I thank God and TeePee for it. Makes life so much easier. By the way, the lad now has lost 17 pounds in 10 cleanse days and one OJ day. Life just isn't fair. But the best is this: my other son, who said there's no way he'd ever do this cleanse or raw food, is starting the MC on Monday!!! Yay! I have now managed to get all four of my kids to try this! Of course, I'm the one making the swf and lemonade and sometimes I want to shoot myself, but that's okay....they'll be healthier for it. And that's what moms are for. ;)

About me: I'm curious to see what's up with me. Legs still getting swollen at the end of day. I have only lost 6 pounds in 15 days...but I really shouldn't lose any more weight. I never thought I'd ever say that in my entire life. Ladies, I now weigh 110...unheard of for me. If I remain on the cleanse, will I continue to lose? I don't know. I'm waiting to find out next week what my blood results are; if I'm anemic, have a loss of potassium, my electrolytes are messed up, have no B12, I'm betting I should stop cleansing and start back on Raw. Do you all agree? Or should I still cleanse, get some iron and potassium and B12 supplements and keep going? A friend of mine was concerned about me and asked her doctor about cleansing fasts. He said that at 40 days, the body starts to digest its own organs. Now, my first cleanse was 40 days and I was shooting for another 40 because I feel like two long cleanses per year might be better for me than four ten day cleanses. Is there any research on this? Do you think 40 day cleanses are harmful? I feel great except for my legs and not getting enough sleep, neither of which is due to the cleanse, I don't think. I don't sleep because I have too much to do, but when I sleep, I'm cozy. Naturopath is on June 11. Do you think I can safely cleanse until I see her, even if my old doc gives me F's on my blood results? What's a girl to do? I ran my usual 5 miles this morning with no problem. I think I'm healthy except for the legs, the sleep, oh, and I AM feeling a little colder than usual. Maybe I AM anemic...arrrrrgggghhh.

On an upbeat note: my 22 year old son came to me to tell me this: his buddy remarked about me after he was here the other night: "Mike...what's up with your mom? She looks really young and has this kind of glow...do you think it's the raw diet? She just looks so different." I loved it. Then I saw another friend yesterday who used the same word about me: I was glowing. Sarma, from Pure Food and Wine must be right. But I just think it's that I'm thinner than anyone has ever seen me and I look very different.

Even though I'm not eating right now, I made pickled ginger yesterday. There are several recipes, all basic, but the one I used was from Gabriel Cousens because it intrigued me...and yes, it was more complicated than the rest. This is the ginger you get with your sushi in restaurants. The basic recipe is to shave ginger strips and put them in a glass jar with 1 cup of raw Apple Cider Vinegar. A little more complicated: put a slice of beet in so that the ginger gets that nice color. But Cousens was even more interesting: thinly slice (with a peeler) two cups of ginger. Then, in a blender, one cup of water with ½ cup shredded beets and ½ cup raisins, soaked first (I didn't have time to soak, came out fine anyway). Then strain the beet/raisin/water mixture into a glass jar so that you have only the liquid, no pulp, add 1 tsp coriander seed and 1½ cups of raw apple cider vinegar and add the ginger. Close it up, refrigerate, and in four days, you have delicious pickled ginger that he swears by. We'll see :rolleyes:

Now, what's the deal with olives? How can they be raw? They're processed if they come in jars aren't they? Green, black, Kalamata, oil-cured? Can anyone tell me about olives?

I went to www. aniphyo to look at her video and her ginger nori rolls. All I can say is that I can't wait to eat. Man, those rolls were fat! I'm working on finding dehydrated snacks to pack in my pack for Ireland. So far, I'm bringing almonds and dried fruit in ziplocs, of course, but I want to have something more substantial. In the olden days (last year), I brought jars of PB with me wherever I went. Now, I'm in the process of finding things that travel well in a tightly stuffed backpack. My big experiment is something called Magic Wands. I tried them once...too salty and I did them the way Cousens said, dehydrating nori spread with a tasty spread, then rolling, then dehydrating again, but it didn't work right. This time, I'm rolling and dehydrating all at once. The result is supposed to be a sort of vegetable jerky in a nori roll. I'll let you know how the experiment works out.

Oooh, long message. Sorry everyone for taking up so much space.
Kiropa, good to see you!

Thanks, girls...you're all the best! Have a great day and RES, make it really special!!!!!
Much love to you all~

[kiropa]

hi all,

hope this okay to post:

taco meat
1 1/2 c walnuts grounf in food proc
1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
3/4 tsp ground coriander
2 bsp nama shoyu

combine & mix well (from rawvolution -- awesome book. get it for the photos alone!

my fav browies

1C walnuts
1C rmedjool dates pitted
1/4C raw cocoa

blend in food processor & freeze. crazy good. from raw priestess on raw food talk (credit where credit is due)

rawvolution food freezes well. i don't have a dehydrator -- so defrosting takes a while.

menu is different each week.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RES!!!!! mine is around the corner.

still raw, still loving it! up 7 pounds from my post MC weight (ended end of Feb). i am happy with that. before raw, i always gained it all back. 25 pounds still gone, woo hoo!!!!! i've eaten cooked a handful of times (in social circumstances). i want to MC again -- just 10 days. can't find the time...

love to all!

kim

[TeePee]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, RES!!

[Graya]

Hey, everybody! I've been visiting this thread for a few days, and decided I'd jump in. I am going to try to eat mostly raw when Im done cleansing.(I'm on day 6, along with my daughter-YAY!) I can't believe I'm actually doing this! I've not had the willpower to do anything like this before. I've been studying nutrition and cleansing, raw foods, etc., for years, and have made a few feeble attempts at eating better, but I really love food, and tend to gravitate toward the unhealthy stuff. I know I would feel so much better if I would stick to a natural diet. You all inspire me so much.
The cleanse has been good for me, because I'm seeing that just because others around me are eating things I might want, I have a choice to eat those things, or not. I can choose to take the healthy road. I'm a little concerned about my daughter, though. Everytime her siblings get a treat, she's taking a portion for herself, and keeping it in her room for after the cleanse. I worry that this isn't the healthiest attitude, tho' she has followed the cleanse perfectly, and I am so proud of her strength! (She's only 14!)
On another note, I don't know the rules, here, so hope I'm not breaking any, but I have recently become a dealer for a kitchen machine company, and we carry some of the machines you all have been talking about. (Vitamix, Excalibur, Bamix, etc.)I would love to be able to give you all a good deal on your tools. I do not have a website set up, yet, but if someone wanted to send me a private message, I'd be happy to see what I could do. :)
Thank you again for your encouragement!!! I look so forward to trying some of your recipes when I'm finished cleansing. I plan on seeing how I feel on day 10 and taking it day by day. I may stop at 10. I think my daughter will be stopping.
Res - I still haven't gotten that bubble bath, yet, but my husband did treat me a little with some extra special attention!;)
Sim - Thank you for the sweet note you sent me on the "what day are you on" forum. I am so blessed to have the family I have, and it's wonderful to take care of them. I truly am blessed! But I am so glad to be doing something for me.

[Res]

Aww Sim - you're such a good Mommy. :) "Where the King goes, so goes the people". You're leading your children by example and that's about the BEST thing ever!

Thank you for the bd wishes and song. ;) *hug*

Oooh Oooh! Sim, I went on the cleanse once when I weighed 114 lbs, "just to test" Burroughs statement that you won't lose more weight than you should. I wanted to play the guinea pig so that I'd know for certain if what he said was true/accurate. I went down to 108 and stayed there until the end of my cleanse. It's true! You stop losing weight.

Why oh why my dear are you cleansing for 40 days? For the most part, I think cleansing is safe and people have done 40 day cleanses successfully for eons. I read an article on Ghandi and it said although he looked frail, he was rock hard physically. Also when he fasted he took a little honey in the water he drank. Plus you're running 5 miles??? EGADS - that's it! I have to do something. :)

*Now, "How do you feel?" What's your body telling you? What does your tongue look like?

I'm not sure if you're like me - I can go "over the edge" at times because I'm tenacious and if I set my sights on something nothing can get in my way. It can play against me at times too. What about you? I'm confident that you'll listen to your body because it really can and does tell you what to do. Fifteen days already!?!? Yikes!

About the upbeat note: NICE! :D

Oooh, love the ginger recipe. I've just copied it. Let us know how it turns out.

I had the same question about Olives and can't remember the answer but I've eaten them off and on but rarely. Someone said it was along the lines of saurkraut or making pickles - which around my house the pickles don't make it to any jars from the crock because they're gone!

Kiropa: Thanks for the recipes! I think it's ok to post (I think) because you're giving the credit to Matt. I'm going to buy the book anyway. :)
Thank you for the bd wish. :)

Aww TeePee: Thank you for the BIG bd wish. :)


Ok, so I'm going to report on the Black Forest Cake in Cohen's book: If I make it again, I'm going to use Raw Cacao instead of Raw Carob. Apparently I don't really care for raw carob anymore but didn't realize it until last night. The cake is SO RICH that I cannot figure out how Alissa and a friend ate the entire thing in one night. My friend who isn't raw at all didn't like it. I cut tiny pieces. I'll post a picture later.

I'm going to eat chicken this weekend (like I'm telling a dark secret) so I guess you can say my all raw will end - although everything else will be raw. I'll let you know how it goes.

Kathy: When I remember, I've been eating the beef jerky. I don't notice any difference in how I feel so I believe the problem is a bit deeper. I have a bunch of tests coming up. I dunno, I dunno - but trying to keep a positive attitude.


How's everyone doing today? It's a beautiful Saturday! :)

Love,
~Res

[Res]

Graya: Welcome aboard! :D I'm SO glad you got a bit of "extra" attention. ;)

Regarding the kitchen tools I think you did it right. We have to delete "advertisements" but yours should be an example to anyone else selling their wares. Very nice and low key. :) Thank you for offering to give us deals! You might find your inbox full. ;)

Love,
~Res

[cleangut52]

Kim- what is 2 bsp nama shoyu ??? and rmedjool dates ???

[Res]

cleangut:

Nama Shoyu is similar to soy sauce. You can get it in any grocery store or Asian market.

Medjool dates are heaven. They're simply a kind of date. If you live near a Costco/Sam's Club/Price Club you'll get a great deal on the dates. They're amazing. :)

Hope this help.s

Ginger: Help! Did you open your broccoli side from Matt yet? Now I know broccoli can stink, buy holy moly my house is stinking up to high heaven and I'm afraid to actually EAT IT. :eek: Was yours the same?

Love,
~Res

[Ginger]

Ginger: Help! Did you open your broccoli side from Matt yet? Now I know broccoli can stink, buy holy moly my house is stinking up to high heaven and I'm afraid to actually EAT IT. :eek: Was yours the same?

I thought the same thing when I opened the mashed cauliflower. I haven't been able to eat it. So, when I saw yur post I opened the broccolini. Yup....it stinks. I haven't tasted it yet. :eek: :eek:

Happy belated birthday!

Sim - Thanks. With all these skinny women here, I'll stay motivated to lose. My BP and cholesteral have always been good. Good genes. I'm thankful. I love pickled ginger. I'm gonna have to try your recipe.

[mtmouse]

Sorry I missed your birthday, Res! Things got wild around here yesterday.

Sorry you didn't like your cake so much. I've never liked carob, and I adore raw cacao powder, so she wouldn't have slipped that one by me! :D

And Ginger, I am so excited about the pickled ginger recipe! I copied it immediately and will definitely start it this weekend. I made my ginger almond nori rolls yesterday (AGAIN!) and perfected my technique so they held together much better and really looked like sushi when cut. So much so that DH got out the pickled ginger and put it on them! So I had to, too, LOL. Of course I felt a little guilty, but it didn't stop me! :)

And all this time I've been assuming that in addition to everything else I was eating red food color. I wonder if they really use beets? At any rate, I'm thrilled to have the possibility of making this myself. I may have to make it a gallon at a time if we decide it isn't actually bad for us! :eek:

[Res]

Ginger: I threw away the "Mashed potatoes" Blech...not my cup of tea. I decided to eat some of the broccoli and didn't die so I suppose it was meant to smell that way. I used some of it in the Ginger Nori rolls.

Speaking of ginger nori rolls Kathy, I wasn't as thrilled about it as you are (haven't eaten the ones with the smelly broccoli). I did dip mine in a bit of soy sauce - it kind of helped but I actually really missed Real california rolls while eating it. :o

Today baby watermelons are on the menu and the Mexican Pate rolled up in lettuce leaves...maybe even collards. Breakfast will be bananas/celery/dates/walnuts.

How's everyone doing today? :)

Love,
~Res

[mtmouse]

Sorry you didn't like the nori rolls, Res. But I guess it's okay because I'm going to marry them! :D

Of course, it's the concept that's important anyway: a sticky nut paste that will hold the rolls together. You can experiment with flavors. I don't see how you can go wrong with garlic, ginger, and lemon juice, but hey, we like what we like, right?

The second day I did also drizzle Bragg's on mine. That's when I put the pickled ginger on top, too. Worked for me, LOL.

I discovered I can't do my own pickled ginger just yet, because I don't have enough ginger! That'll be on next week's menu plan.

But today (or tomorrow) I plan to make more nori rolls, some burgers, and those hot/spicy crackers. I think it's time for pesto and toona, too. Maybe I'll try the Not Tuna for a change. I'd substitute for the sunflower seeds, though; maybe pecans? Walnuts?

Anyway, have a great day, all!

[Res]

Well, here we are. :)

Kathy: I don't hate the Nori rolls but I'll be the bridesmaid when you two marry. ;) My heart belongs to Mr. Mango.

I bbq'd chicken yesterday and ate a few bites. It wasn't thrilling. I didn't think it would be. But, I think I need the animal protein. So, I'll put it in my salads which might make it a bit more palatable to me. I can see that I'm not an all meat girl anymore. I many just purchase Organic free range eggs for my salad instead. I dunno.

I made the taco meat yesterday (Matt's recipe) and it smelled really good but was too full to eat it. I'm going to order Matt's book today and throw away the rest of the Black Forest cake. I still can't imagine eating this thing in one night. I can't imagine eating it in one week!

Hope everyone is doing well today! :)

Love,
~Res

[TeePee]

Hi Girls!!!

Back from the weekend up north. BF had to work today, so I will head down to Atlantic City to meet him for break.

Spent sat and sun by the pool at friend's house. I took cohen's enchilada's but unfortunately they didn't keep very well for the several hour ride up there. I have to confess, I was so hungry, I had some "grilled" veggies.:eek: :eek: :eek: They were all trying to accomodate me, and I felt really bad. I was sure to eat a ton of the tomato salad first to get the enzymes in. It was just very lightly grilled in one of those "baskets" you put on the grill. Asparagrus, zukes, onions, mushrooms in garlic and olive oil. I hope I don't go to raw food hell.:mad:

so back home today and I have juiced apples to try to feel better. I think I will juice and smoothie for most of the day!! I have Matt's box coming tomorrow!!!! You were all talking about it and I just had to!!! I has the Big Matt and the nut loaf, pizza, egg salad, all of which I love!! I can't wait!!

Okay, time to get ready!!

Hope you are all having a great holiday weekend!!!

[Res]

I hope I don't go to raw food hell.:mad: I hardly think so. We'd pull you back out. ;)

Mmm your grilled veggies sound good. I think I could marinate some and grill them quickly and they'd still be fine. :)

I hope you had a fun time up north TeePee. We're really glad you're back. :)

I can't wait to hear about your food from Matt! :)

Love,
~Res

[mtmouse]

Hi all!

Today I had an uncooking morning. I started off with onion bread. Except I'm making it onion crackers. I didn't put any sliced onion in at all, just processed the heck out of my onions (and almonds). Used less oil, too. I'm hoping it will dry crispier. It was certainly easy, and I didn't have to get my hands all gunked up.

I also made some of the walnut taco meat everyone's been talking about. I didn't have anything for a wrap, though, so I left that for tomorrow. Or maybe I'll have a "taco salad" tonight.

I couldn't make the fire dragon crackers or Not Tuna or pesto, though, because I didn't have the right ingredients.

I then made more ginger nori rolls, but this time I used walnuts instead of almonds. I tend to eat almonds more just as a snack, and I wanted the omega-3 from the walnuts (kind of like sushi, LOL). Tasted just fine! DH ate half and certainly enjoyed them too.

Tomorrow is grocery shopping!

Hope you've all had a pleasant and rejuvenating long weekend!

[Res]

I didn't tell anyone but I destroyed my Dragon crackers and perhaps that's why I'm not real fond of them. I did it again. I had the setting on 155 degrees (from the jerky) and didn't realize it until 2 hours later. Because I was worried about the flax, I baked them for a less amount of time and they were a bit gooey - it was all a big mess. Kathy let me know how yours turn out when you make them.

I made Matt's taco meat but it's lacking something so I wasn't thrilled. I ate the last of my Nori rolls and enjoyed it with a bit of Shoyu and garlic.

Now preparing to go back to work after a wonderful 5 days off. :)

Take care everyone!

Love,
~Res

[mtmouse]

Oh Res,

You poor thing!

As I've said before, I do everything at the same temperature (~105°), including jerky. I guess I'm luckier than I thought to have a plain-jane homemade dehydrator! :)

And I just checked on my onion crackers, and I can see through them in places! That was one thing I'd hoped to correct with this batch, because sometimes they're so fragile in places they won't hold together. Anyway, needless to say I'm a bit disgruntled right now myself!

I'll let you know about the dragon crackers, though. If they're more like the rosemary crackers, with soaked flax, they should do better.

Now that I think about it, maybe I'll do my onion crackers next time with soaked flax, too! Oh, what a great idea. New experiments on the way, just stay tuned! LOL.

[mtmouse]

I just had some of my walnut taco stuff. Like you, Res, I thought it lacked something. It tasted fine on my salad, though, and with some kidney beans added it sure made a filling dinner.

But you all raved about the tacos in the Box. Do you think he uses a different recipe for those than what he published? Sneaky, sneaky!

[Res]

Do you think he uses a different recipe for those than what he published? Sneaky, sneaky! Unless there's a completely different explanation - then yes. Mine is light colored - his was darker and I loved it. I followed the exact recipe posted. This is so-so. :(

While I'm complaining I brought in his "Tabouli" and was severely disappointed again. It's too salty and bitter. I placed a ton of spinach on top and cut up a tomato hoping it would help - but the underlying flavor was a giant disappointment. The texture was grand and I was ready to sink my teeth into the feel of it but darn. :mad: I thought I would order a box a month but at this rate it's just not worth it to me.

You dehydrate your jerky at 105 too? Ok, the instructions with the dehydrator said 155 but I'll try it at 105 next time.

:)

[Ginger]

Res - I'm so disappointed to hear about the "taco meat". Perhaps he's refined his recipe since the book was published? Maybe someone should email him and ask. I threw away the "mashed potatoes" too. They tasted gross!!!

I had the ginger nori rolls for dinner. WOW!!! :p I LOVED 'em. Made a second batch for tomorrows lunch. I've had alot going on the last few days and haven't been up to posting. Relationship problems :( . But, I'm dropping by to read and look around.

Tomorrow and Thursday I'm on an interview panel. Gotta interview a bunch of folks. So, with the nori rolls and a big beautiful salad and some fruit I should get through it.

I talked to a co worker today (briefly) who saw me after my cleanse and asked how I did it. I gave him all the info I had. He said he's just finished a 30 day, 35 lb cleanse. He sounded fantastic. He's very faithbased, and called the cleanse a spiritual experience. I was so happy for him. He's a totally cool guy. We're gonna talk soon, and he plans on telling me his story. I can't wait!!

[TeePee]

Hi Rawsters!

I was expecting Matt's box today, but due to the holiday, it will arrive tomorrow!! So psyched!! I made more of Cohen's bagels last night, done tonight. Made some cashew-dill creme cheese to put on. FABULOUS!! I seem to cycle with my food obsessions!! It was guac, then enchiladas, now bagels. I am still in love with my almond milk and will forever be, I am sure!!

I hope everyone is doing well. Res, thanks for saying you'd pull me back from banishment over my weekend of grilled veggies!!!

I am still so glad we all have each other to turn to for support!! It is essential!! I am thinking about another cleanse once school lets out. (June 22!)

[mtmouse]

TeePee, when is school out? I'm going to be cleansing in mid-June myself!

[Ginger]

I don't remember whose idea, but there was a plan to start July 6. I put it on my calendar. That date is right between my two trips.

[Res]

Oooh, I wish I was cleansing with all of you. Too much going on in the month of June. I'll probably cleanse towards the end of July.

I'll be your cheerleader! :D

Love,
~Res

p.s. I threw away the cauliflower too. The cucumber dish was really good - but I can make that myself. The last unopened package is soup.

[mtmouse]

I made the red pepper dragon chips this morning. They're still in the dehydrator.

I had a few missteps along the way. I don't know what size food processor that recipe writer has, but I have a big one (11 cup Cuisinart). But when you put in 6 cups of red peppers, 2 cups of flax, and 1-1/2 cups of water, that's a lot!

So I did all but the flax first and then poured it out. Then I misread the recipe and instead of putting flax meal and water in with some of the pepper mixture, I used whole flaxseed. I realized my mistake as I processed and I could hear the seeds clicking against the blade, but none broke open at all!

So I put that part aside, got out the flax meal, added the water, processed that, added it to the bulk of the pepper mix, and let it sit like you're supposed to. Meanwhile, the whole seeds were sitting, too. It's interesting that the whole seeds actually set up sticker than the meal does.

Anyway, I eventually got it all into the dehydrator. I decided to make whole-seed crackers, too, just in case they would work. I'll let you all know tomorrow! :)

I also made pesto (for once I used my basil within a day of buying it) and carrot-pecan burgers (Cohen). The burgers are also still drying. Tomorrow I'll eat well, LOL.

Hope everyone's doing great! Happy eating! (She says as she begins the countdown to her own cleanse, :eek: ).

[Sim]

Hi my buddies~
Well, Day 21 of my second cleanse comes to a close and I still feel great..although I'm definitely getting a little thin, something I never thought I'd have to complain about. How weird! But it was an awful lot of fun shopping today for a dress :D

Update on the pickled ginger: I didn't eat any, of course, but my kids did and reported it tasted exactly like Japanese pickled ginger should taste, only a LOT spicier and more intense. Ooooh, I can't wait to try it! I think the hardest part of this second cleanse is keeping away from the very healthy raw food we've learned to prepare. I have beautiful peaches here, avocados that are the creamiest I've seen all year, gorgeous yellow and orange peppers...the list goes on and on...plus I have TONS of recipes I'm itching to try, plus my VITAMIX is sitting unopened still, looking just as it did when it was delivered. My hands itch when I go near it! Not yet, not yet. Still have the next 19 days to go...

Okay, so my family enjoyed the Ginger Almond rolls tonight and said that the freshness just had a life of its own. Yes indeed. Live food, life. And I couldn't have any!!!! Soon, soon....

I know I haven't told you all lately, but I consider you the most fun part of my day and yes, I love you all. You are truly friends and I think it's amazing that we've all met this way. G'night. Time to join my Dreamboat in Dreamland!

[mtmouse]

Oh, I forgot to say! I did start my pickled ginger today too!

Now I just have to wait until Sunday to try it.

One thing I was going to ask, Sim, is once the four days are up, what happens then? Do you drain the ginger? Leave it in its juice? Do you think it will get more spicy as time passes? Yum!

[Ginger]

I tend to eat sweets when I'm having a rough time emotionally. Been fighting it for the last few days. I've eaten a couple of rawvolution chocolate bars. But this morning, I gave in to the cravings. I wandred around the grocery store. Cookies? nope. Cake? nope. Frosting? nope. Candy? nope. Finally I found a pistachio muffin.Then I bought a Starbucks light frap. Ya know what? I felt completely unsatisfied. I prefer the raw stuff.

[mtmouse]

Find an update on my red pepper dragon chips here:

http://www.therawfoodsite.com/forum/showpost.php?p=38097&postcount=500

[TeePee]

Hi guys,

Haven't been able to keep up too much, I miss you guys!! School is done for me June 22nd. Can't wait for the extra time to chop, blend and DH and share!!

Well, my box came yesterday. So far, it is less appealing to me than the first box I got back in Feb or March. The Matt burger, still great. The cheese wrap, did not like nearly as well as the first time. The onion soup, I LOVE!! Warmed it a bit in DH. Tastes like roast beef to me!!! It is very thin, but great flavor. The chix salad did not hit me like it did the first time either. The eggless eggsalad, very good, but chunky from a lot of celery. The yellow "egg" part was rather liquidy. When I have made it, I made it thicker. But, this could be from shipping. The marinated greens are pretty good. I know it sounds like I have pigged out since yesterday, BUT, I have only sampled each of these things. I am sharing with my BF and he gets done work late, so I taste and then save for him. (He is "once again" trying raw!!) Oh, the chocolate haystacks are awesome!! You get 3 of them, and I could make 4 servings out of each one!!! You only need a little bit. So I still have left to try the Greek pizza, nut loaf, stir not fry (all of which I had in last box and loved) the Borscht soup (did not try last time, may not again) and the apple crumble. I really wish you could pick and choose the order. This time it may have been that the box could have sat out in 80 degree weather for several hours before I got home from work. He said on the website or newsletter that there were new cold shipping procedures, but it was the same as last time, with ice pack and styrofoam peanuts.

Not to sound arrogant, but I think the things I make are just as good, if not better, because we can taste and adjust spices and such to our liking. Plus the shipping of the prepared food across country has got to take something away from it. It is just sooo nice to open the fridge and it is done for you!! I real nice break from hectic schedules.

Hope all is well for everyone!! Hugs!

[Sim]

One thing I was going to ask, Sim, is once the four days are up, what happens then? Do you drain the ginger? Leave it in its juice? Do you think it will get more spicy as time passes? Yum!

Yes, I think it will continue to pickle and will get spicier...stands to reason. I have not drained it because I think I'm going to love the intense taste. But then again, I love putting my African bird cayenne in my lemonade and letting it sit for a couple of hours to make it really hot! I can't wait to hear how you like the ginger because of course, I haven't tasted it yet. All I can say is that based on my kids' judgment, I'm going to want both jars that I pickled!

[Sim]

Thanks, Kathy, for the update on the Dragon chips.Yup...salt. Isn't that why we eat chips? ;)

I don't know if I already asked this: has anyone tried Lara Bars? They are raw, Kosher, non-GMO, unprocessed and organic. I'm wondering if they're acceptable and whether or not I should pack some for Ireland. Last year, I went hiking in Switzerland and brought Balance Bars with me for daytime energy (doesn't it sound like I have an exciting life? Switzerland was the first vacation I had in 15 years and I had to leave after 6 days because my former spouse died and my kids needed my help with everything...so don't be jealous! Ireland is supposed to erase the terrible memory of leaving a long-planned vacation for something you don't want to face...go Ireland!!!!)

So if anyone's got the lowdown on LaraBars, I'd appreciate your opinions. Thanks!

[Sim]

Oh, and one more thing: Matt's taco "meat"....some of you had commented that it wasn't as dark as you'd remembered and that maybe he was sneaky in not telling us everything in the recipe. Okay...the first time I made it, it was delish: dark, full of flavor...the second time, I followed the recipe exactly and it was a little blah, a little disappointing. Today, I made it for my kids and what I did was put all the ingredients in the Cuisinart at the start...came out like a paste but was dark and flavorful...exactly the way we like it! His recipe calls for grinding the nuts but adding the rest of the ingredients to the nuts....I put all the ingredients in the Cuisinart and ground them all up and it was perfect. Hope this helps!

[mtmouse]

Hey Sim,

We're twins! (Well, what's a 60-pound difference, LOL?) I always make my lemonade ahead of time and let the cayenne sit too! I'm sure I'll love it if the ginger gets more and more intense. After all, the stuff you buy in the store just sits in its liquid too. I can't wait for Sunday night!

And yes, I've had Larabars. Pnut loves them. I'm not crazy about any bar--they never taste as good as anything I make myself, they're always a little dry, and they're expensive. But I think they'd be great for a trip! They are certainly a way to stay raw without having to cart around a fridge, LOL.

That's interesting about the taco meat. So those of you who got the Box: did what you get seem like a paste rather than chunky? I love the look of mine, especially if I'm putting it on a salad--but if it would taste better as a paste I'd be happy to save it for a wrap. Or maybe for nori rolls! :D

Sounds like you're still going strong on your cleanse--less than 2 weeks now for me!

[Ginger]

Kathy - mine was more chunky than paste.

[Sim]

Hey Kathy~
You'll be starting your cleanse and we'll overlap...I'm on day 23 and I feel absolutely terrific. After my first cleanse, I always wondered how I'd know when to start a second one. I found out...I just knew. As good as all that raw food was, when the stuffy feeling began, I started to look forward to the MC. My timing was right and physically I'm feeling almost brand-spanking new again. 17 more days and I'll be ready for a weeklong breaking of the cleanse (OJ, then whole fruit, then salad for a week) then back to nuts, etc. Seems so uncomplicated now compared to the first time when I knew virtually nothing about what any of this would be like. I can't wait to get back to the "serious" prep of new Raw delights. And....I'm getting into "creating" my own recipes, so I hope you're all ready to be my testers. :eek:

Ginger~ I suppose if you don't grind the nuts too much in the Cuisinart with all the spices and the nama shoyu, you might still get the major flavors but not in a paste. I'll try that later today to see what happens.

Happy Friday everyone!

[Res]

Hello Buddies:

My taco meat from Matt was more "paste" like. When I made mine it was paste-like but lacked flavor.

Shoot gotta go, work calls...

[Nance]

this is my first visit to this thread . . . I'd best not stay too long! I am still on MC and have a ways to go. . .

Is there another 30 day Raw Challenge planned at some point? This looks like great fun! The team effort really helps me stay in the game!

[Res]

Hi Nance,

We haven't really stopped exactly. I think one person took a bite of fish and I had a piece of chicken and the rest of it is rotting in the fridge because I don't want it. lol :D

Although the chatter may have died down a bit we're still going strong and will probably be here when you're done with your cleanse. And by the way Missy, Shooo! ;)

Sim: I wonder if Matt used soy sauce? Yeah, he probably is holding back the skinny little... ;)


TeePee:Not to sound arrogant, but I think the things I make are just as good, if not better...
haha, no one's going to think you're arrogant. :) *hug* I know exactly what you mean and Kathy's ALWAYS changing up recipes! ;)

In the dehydrator: Cranberry scones (made with mostly blueberries cause I'm low on the cran)

I'm out of almonds! :eek: I can't believe I'm out of almonds! :) Have to visit the store tomorrow.

Going off to watch "The Take Home Chef!"

Love to all,
~Res

[TeePee]

HAPPY FRIDAY!!!!

Welcome, Nance!!! You will get all the support you need here!! Keep up with your cleanse, and we'll be here for sure when you're done!!

I think I need to step up my avocados intake again for faster weight loss!! Yup! That good fat really burns the bad fat up!!!

Sim convinced me to make the RawPriestess Chocolate Brownie (1 c walnut, 1 c dates, 1/4 cup cocoa powder) and WOW!!! :D I am so glad I did!! I have a new obsession!!

I am so full from my guac and 1/2 tomato after work. I did manage to get in some brownie though!!!

I have just started ti get into Juliano's book RAW. Had it a while now, but haven't made anything. I am dying to make his Meatloaf!!!! Has anyone made it? I am going to get the stuff together for it and try it out soon!!:p

[Nance]

TeePee and Res,

Thanks for the warm welcome. I have been nosing around at the raw foods cookbooks, and doe you have a recommendation on the raw food equivalent to "The Joy of CooKing"?

I have enjoyed Moosewood, New York Times Natural Foods cookbook, and Diet for A Small Planet, but I will soon be ready for the new wave of rawbooks. ("Cookbook" just does not fit.)

Thanks again for answering, I just had to take a peak to see if you had :-)

Love and Light,
n.

[Sim]

Hi Nance~
Welcome!!! This thread is a love fest and you'll have a great time here!
I'm not supposed to be here either right now--I'm on day 23 out of 40 and I have a ways to go but my buddies are all here, so I keep lurking and hungering...for the discussion and my friends' love and support as much as the raw food talk :D But no, I'm not hungry for food. Sure I'm not. :rolleyes:

The Complete Book of Raw is a good, all purpose book because it has lots of info and then has winning recipes from all the best raw chefs. But it's not a pretty book, no pix to go with the recipes, really. I use it a lot, though. We all really like RAWvolution by Matt Amsden, I like Juliano's book and the most basic is Jen Cornbleet's Raw Cooking for 1 or two. Those should get you started :)

Res~ I think Matt must use nama shoyu...that's what I used for this recipe, even though I try to stay away from it. I did it once with wheat-free tamari and once with Bragg's but it just didn't taste the same. Yesterday I used the nama shoyu and it was fantastic and yes, salty...but with the salsa and lettuce, you couldn't beat it!

[mtmouse]

Nance,

I think my favorite first book would be Alissa Cohen's Living on Live Food.

I love Cornbleet too. And I like Amsden's book, but I think Cohen is a better buy (albeit more money) to start with.

[Sim]

Nance,I think my favorite first book would be Alissa Cohen's Living on Live Food.

Ooooooooh, Kath, I forgot about Cohen's book! How could I forget? It's only the heaviest book in the universe with great info and recipes. Gee, I hope I'm not cleansing out brain cells...I can't afford it at my age!!!

[Nance]

Hi Nance~
Welcome!!! This thread is a love fest and you'll have a great time here!
I'm not supposed to be here either right now--I'm on day 23 out of 40 and I have a ways to go but my buddies are all here . . .

The Complete Book of Raw is a good, all purpose book because it has lots of info and then has winning recipes from all the best raw chefs. But it's not a pretty book, no pix to go with the recipes, really. I use it a lot, though. We all really like RAWvolution by Matt Amsden, I like Juliano's book and the most basic is Jen Cornbleet's Raw Cooking for 1 or two. Those should get you started :)


Thanks Sim and MTMouse 8)!

I nosed around and found some of these books you mentioned on the web, so now I know which direction to go.

A while back a friend and I started a local healthy buying club (non-profit).
IT has saved us beaucoup on this stuff, over 15,000 items. this is where you can see if you have a local club. http://www.unitedbuyingclubs.com/How_To_Buy.htm There is a real savings, especially when team members split bulk bags and cases.

Sim, I am on day 26. I am happy to find a "20-something buddy" on a 40 day journey. I am 51. All your comments to newbies are encouraging me, too.

Also, I am looking for a section on miso. Maybe that will be in one of the books you guys recommended. I don't this I better get ahead of myself . . . I was only going to peek at this thread once, and now i am contemplating gettin foodbooks.:p

[TeePee]

Nance,

Sim and mtmouse are right, Alissa Cohen, Living on Live Food book (and CD if you can swing it) are great to start with. I have at least 10 raw books now and I wish I had at least started with Cohen. I started with some of the more complex!! Her recipes are easier and I have loved every single thing I've made from her. The DVD is about 3 or so hours and is her making all of this food in a regular kitchen in front of two of her clients that are just learning about raw foods. It is a great confidence builder, because it shows her making this stuff that you might not make if you just read the recipes. I LOVE IT!! It also has a lot of "raw food talk" about tips, and what you can expect on raw. I have mine out on loan, and I'm waiting to get it back. I just like to watch it from time to time for inspiration!

I also like RAWvolution by Matt Amsden; Raw Food Real World; and I'm just getting into RAW by Juliano. Everyone on this board loves Cornbleet's book, so that is my next purchase!!!!

I am hungry. I am out of my typical grapefruit to juice first thing!!! And my bananas to make a smoothie....Ahhhh what's a raw girl to do!! Oh, go shopping I guess!! I think I will make do with fresh squeezed organe juice!!

Oh, and just an update, my avocados come thru again!!! :D :) I had put on 3-4 pounds after holiday weekend of a few cooked veggies and corn chips. After just 2 days of eating guac, I am back to where I was, after a week of staying the same weight without them!! I swear by them!!! But I have to be in guac mode!!!

Have a great Saturday girls!!!

[Ginger]

Nance - I spent a good portion of my last cleanse buying all the gadgets and cookbooks necessary for raw. I agree with all the cookbook choices mentioned. Then, planning a grocery list and first week menu. Good luck to you. And this is a very supportive group. Glad you're joining us.

[Nance]

Nance - I spent a good portion of my last cleanse buying all the gadgets and cookbooks necessary for raw. I agree with all the cookbook choices mentioned. Then, planning a grocery list and first week menu. Good luck to you. And this is a very supportive group. Glad you're joining us.

Ginger, I am in!

This may be a very subjective question, but which appliances have you guys found to the be the best?

Dehydrator?
Food Processor?
Blender?
Juicer?
Nut Butter Grinder?
Wheat Grass Juicer?

Is there anything (like this laptop) that will do everything?;)

Wow, this sounds like a poll or something ... Can you tell it is my day off?

[mtmouse]

Here's my latest batch of ginger walnut nori rolls:

http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u54/KathyKLK/IM003578.jpg

Instead of putting spinach on the nori and the paste on the spinach, this time I just put the paste directly onto the nori roll (I have a bamboo sheet that helps make the rolls so it keeps the nori more intact). But DH had complained that the nori was too dry and hard to bite through.

Anyway, that part worked well enough, I think. But I made the paste just a bit too thin (used the full amount of water and should have used only half to 3/4, I think). And also I made a double batch but only made three rolls, so I'd have more paste on each. Again, I wanted to be able to hold the veggies together better, and I wanted the veggies to be centered instead of over to one side. But I won't do that again, either. It's just too much paste in each bite. (My other technique, which was to use half the paste below the veggies and half above, did work to center the veggies.) Live and learn! (Oh--and the nori is still hard to bite through. These just can't be eaten daintily, LOL.)

They taste great, that's for sure. :)

[Sim]

Ooooh, Kathy, beautiful rolls! But I have a question: didn't the paste, placed directly on the nori and not on the spinach, make the nori soggy?

Nance, we're the same age, too! Yup, being on the cleanse for a planned 40 day excursion makes it hard to be here, talking about food...unless you're really dedicated, which I know you are and I know I am :D I can't NOT come in this room...all my friends are here!!!! So I just put the eating out of my mind and enjoy the food talk and pix and ideas...awesome.
Equipment questions: I'll put in my two cents, besides, I'd love to see what everyone else enjoys in the way of equipment, too.
Dehydrator: Excalibur 9 tray with timer. Love it.
Food Processor: Cuisinart 11 cup. Great.
Citrus Juicer: Thanks to my buddy TeePee: Breville 800 CPXL. Awesome. I have my first one, too, a Cuisinart, which does a great job but you have to press constantly and if you're doing a lot of citrus, it gets tiring. I still use it as my portable juicer.
Fruit and Veggie Juicer, with Nut butter homogenizer (blank plate) AND can do wheatgrass, too: Omega 8005 (I think that's the model) Absolutely love it. It's like a Champion but the Champion doesn't do greens well and doesn't do wheatgrass at all. It was much less expensive than the Green Power or Green Star and does a great job. Single auger.
Blender: Vitamix Super 5000. Haven't opened it yet because I'm still cleansing. Can't wait.
Saladacco (spiralizer): I don't think the brand matters because I think they're all the same. Mine came in a box that said "Metro". Works fine.
Mandoline: OXO: I hate it. Lost part of my thumb a while back. It grew back. Must be all the live food I ate :D
Knives: Cutco: Love them. Sharp and a knife for every purpose. $800 per set. No, I didn't buy them...my son was selling them one summer and I got to keep his demo set. Way to go Sim!
Salad Spinner: OXO. Great.
And mercifully, that's it. Of course, I had to decide whether a new dishwasher was what I needed (our old one is kaput) or whether I wanted that Vitamix. The Vitamix won out. I'm constantly washing and re-using dishes, utensils and equipment anyway, so.....
Hope all that helps. So what brands and models does everyone else use?

One last thing everyone: please keep some good thoughts for me. My dad collapsed today and was rushed to the hospital. He's stabilized for now but his heart...well, congestive heart failure can be tricky. I'm a bit on edge and I'm spending my days with my folks down in Queens, NY until he's out of the woods. But I'll still keep up with you Rawbies because you're all my really sweet friends. Happy thoughts, kids, only happy thoughts....

[mtmouse]

Ooooh, Kathy, beautiful rolls! But I have a question: didn't the paste, placed directly on the nori and not on the spinach, make the nori soggy?

So sorry to hear about your dad, Sim! Hope he's lots better soon!

With my rolls, I did it deliberately because DH said the nori was too tough the other way. And then I made the paste a bit too liquidy, so yes, they are a bit soggy--and the nori is still hard to bite through, simply because it's just really tough, wet or dry!

So the jury's still out on that one. So far they're still holding up just fine, so I'll do it this way again, but with slightly drier paste (and less of it).

When I did it Ani's way, all the paste was on one side of the roll, and all the veggies on the other side, which I didn't like the look of (!), and the veggies kept falling out and the roll wouldn't stay together tightly. This way definitely solves that problem. :)

[Nance]

Ooooh, Kathy, beautiful rolls! But I have a question: didn't the paste, placed directly on the nori and not on the spinach, make the nori soggy?

Nance, we're the same age, too! Yup, being on the cleanse for a planned 40 day excursion makes it hard to be here, talking about food...unless you're really dedicated, which I know you are and I know I am :D

One last thing everyone: please keep some good thoughts for me. My dad collapsed today and was rushed to the hospital. He's stabilized for now but his heart...well, congestive heart failure can be tricky. I'm a bit on edge and I'm spending my days with my folks down in Queens, NY until he's out of the woods. But I'll still keep up with you Rawbies because you're all my really sweet friends. Happy thoughts, kids, only happy thoughts....

Hey, Sim,

You are in my thoughts for your dad, I know you will keep us posted!! Take it moment-by-moment and breathe deep!

I am happy to find you the same age and apout the same day of a longer detox. Oh, and all your info on the machines it incalculably handy! THANKS! I was nosing around on the web and your report helps me nose in toward the LemonHead Tried and True brands. Raw, raw, raw!

Kathy,
What a photo, do you have wesabi? Is that rice in them-thar shushi rolls?
I gotta watch out. I am nearing 'that time of the month' and this afternoon got really sleepy and REALLY hungry. :eek:

But you guys all rock on this thread, and I tried to stay away, and just can't!

[mtmouse]

Hi Nance,

Nope, those nori rolls are all raw! It's a recipe for ginger almond nori rolls that's on one of these threads. If not up above, then over in the Lemonhead Recipe Box. I used walnuts instead this time. So what looks like rice is really a nut paste.

They're delicious, and quick and easy to make with a food processor (I also have the 11-cup Cuisinart but this recipe doesn't require one that large), so you have them to look forward to!

P.S. I don't have wasabi (we used all ours up and I don't think it's raw). Tomorrow night, though, my natural raw pickled ginger will be ready! Yum!

[Ginger]

Sim -Your dad and you are in my prayers.

Nance - Sim's list is a good one. The vitamix and dehydrator are expensive, but worth it. I'm 50 myself, so we old folks are making some lifestyle changes. :D

[TeePee]

Sim, You are in my thoughts, as always!! You know everyone here is pulling for you and your dad.

[TeePee]

Nance,

Sim is right on with the "equipment list".
Breville Citrus juicer is by far, the best!! Use it everysingle day at least once
Vita Mix I have the "professional series" because I wanted the stainless steel color and the variable speed dial. I am really, really glad I got the variable speed. What's $50 more on a life time blender when you are already dropping a fortune on it??? IF you're going to get it, get the one you want. From all reports, it should last forever.
Breville Juice Fountain Elite I'll be honest, again, I had to have the stainlesss steel and I went for ease of cleaning. It is a centrifugal juicer, so I haven't tried and I'm sure it won't do wheat grass. I use it mostly for carrot juice, apple juice with ginger, tomato juice, celery juice (for recipes). Most others I just throw in the Vita-Mix. Even the greens for green smoothies. I bought this as my first new raw toy, when I was still cleansing. I thought I would use it non-stop. But in reality, I use it about one time per week. And at $300 it was the 2nd runner up for expense!! Now I am seeing all these recipes that say "run through the blank plate of a homogenizing juicer" which would be Sim's Omega, the Green Star, or the Champion. I am thinking about it, but I think the food processor is a stand -in for the homogenizing action.
Cuisinart 11-cup Food Processor- Got it at Bed Bath & Beyond with one of those 20% of coupons, plus it had $20 mail in rebate. (I haven't done that yet.....:eek: ) So, $200 for basically $160. Plus BF gave me $100 towards it! Thought I might not use it much, USE IT ABOUT EVERYDAY!! It has the longest warranty, and so many raw food chefs swear by Cuisinart brand. Couldn't do without it.
Saladacco spiralizer. Sim again is right on!
Excalibur 9 tray. Amazing. Mine doesn't have a timer:( But I wish it did. I pretty much run it non-stop!
Nut milk bags. If you are going to make almond milk.

Hope this helps!! It is all soo much fun!! Oh, you know what I use a lot as well, MASON JARS!! I put my almond milk in them, take my smoothies to work in them, store salad dressings in them, etc.... I feel better about glass than plastic. I got them at Target.

So--all you experts out there? Do I need the homogenizing juicer for the blank plate thing or is the food processor enough?

[mtmouse]

Nut milk bags. If you are going to make almond milk.

So--all you experts out there? Do I need the homogenizing juicer for the blank plate thing or is the food processor enough?


Hey TeePee,

I NEVER use my nut milk bags any more, and I'm sure once I get my Vita-mix I will use them even less, LOL.

I hated throwing out the almond pulp when making milk, so I just stopped! I now process it as best as possible and simply throw it all in whatever I'm wanting the milk for. Quick and dirty for sure! :eek:

And I kind of feel the same about juices. I never want to give up the fiber. So I rarely actually juice anything.

I have the Champion with the blank plate. I do use it when making toona, but that's pretty much all, at least so far. I tried it for almond butter, but we didn't like the result, so I still do that in the Cuisinart. And I used to use it for frozen banana ice cream, but I now do that in the Cuisinart too. The Champion is kind of a pain to clean. Plus, we use it for grinding grain (for DH, who doesn't eat all raw), and I don't like to keep switching back and forth.

[TeePee]

mtmouse,

Thanks!! I'll keep my $200+!! Well, I guess I'll send to for the bills!!

I am about to make almond milk now!! I will try it in the vitamix and see how I like it before I strain it!

[Ginger]

I use a jelly strainer to strain my almond milk. The pulp can be frozen and used in other receipes - like crackers

I've tried several mandolines. I hated the OXO. My favorite so far is the kitchenaid. It had a blade guard with it, but that cracked the first time I used it. I'm trying not to lose body parts like some of you gals!!

I use my vitamix for everything. I don't have a good juicer. I have a little cuisanart citrus juicer which works quite well.

[mtmouse]

I just checked and my mandoline is a Progressive. If I'm not careful it still tries to eat me for dinner!

[Nance]

What is a mandoline? I play a mandolin . . . but this sounds dangerous!:eek:

[Res]

Sim: Hang in there. I'm sorry to hear about your dad collapsing. My mother has congestive heart failure. Make sure he's not using "salt"! Or eating/sneaking salty things.


Kathy the nori rolls look great and I agree that it should be made in a double batch. The fun thing for me is making them and then eating them hours later or the next day because Yes, it's softer, not quite soggy because it's elastic in a way but really tasty. I like the rolls soggy-ish and I like eating them right away. Today I'm going to try it with avocado instead of spinach.

I made a batch last night and added more ginger and garlic (haven't tried them yet). I bought some light soy yesterday (because the girl at the asian market said they don't carry nama shoyu because it's hawaiian???). I'm looking forward to lunch.

Love to all,
~Res

[mtmouse]

It's a hand slicer. (It slices hands, LOL! At least, fingers and thumbs! :eek: )

I did a quick web search and here's a typical-looking one:

http://www.ekitchengadgets.com/063-f1331800.html?CS_001=5&CS_002=74&CS_010=063-F1331800

[Res]

The onion bread/crackers that I made over the weekend are fantastic! I did it a bit differently by chopping the onions in the food processor. They have a "sweet" flavor as if I added a sweetner but it's the onions! :) I can't quite make a sandwich because I made them thin this time - but they're great.

How's everyone doing today? :)

Sim: How's your Dad? *hug*

[TeePee]

Hi Girls,

I am watching wife swap as I check in. I usually don't turn TV on, but I have to sit to ice my back. Anyway, the one husband is a professional eater!!! I can't tell how many hot dogs he just ate in two minutes.:eek: :eek: :eek: It is so unbelievable. Just thought that was funny. What if any of us did this and some one had to come prepare raw food!!!???? And the family we went to had to eat raw food!!!??? Just a little humor for a Monday night:D :D

So yesterday I made marinated mushrooms. I think I posted it before. But I changed it up a bit (like I do everything I make everytime). I used medium Baby Bellas. Put olive oil, nama shoyu and spices~ cumin, curry, garlic, onion powder and even some agave nectar because it tasted too salty. Left them in the marinade in a glass dish and put in DH with sliced carrots and red peppers. YUMMY!! Left them in overnight and they were even more amazing than last night. I had to run out and get more mushrooms because there was so much marinade left, I couln't waste it. Am having again tomorrow, I guess!! I know BF will love them when he gets here!

I made and ate my first ever sushi last nite too!! It was basic with cukes, carrots, red pepper and avocado. I actually did like it! I want to sprout some quinoa for the next time. How do you all get it so pretty and perfect??

Okay, I have to do some school work. :( Hope you are all "rawsome" today!

[Res]

Hiya TeePee and Buddies, :)

Mushrooms are the best and yours sound delicious. What's the difference between nama shoyu and soy sauce?

A few days ago I made the nutmeat for the Nori Rolls. I upped the garlic and the ginger and liked it much much better this time. I used avocado in place of the spinach in two of them and day 1 it didn't taste all that great with the avocado - however, Day 2 was shining!! The Nori sheets get a bit "soft" but chewy and all it took was one to satisfy me completely. haha, nevermind. Once I get it out of my mind that there's rice rolled up I'm good. So mtmouse looks like I have a weekly hot date with your Nori Rolls. ;) Between that and Mr. Mango I'm good to go.


Sending out *hugs* and warm wishes to Sim and family. How's your Dad?

I watched my Buddy The Take Home Chef yesterday and he used a mandolin. The woman he was cooking with almost sliced her finger off! You should've seen their faces when she whipped her hand away quickly. 8) Later they did a mini "how'd you like cooking with Curtis" spot and she said the only downside was almost slicing her finger off! *I'm NOT buying one. I'm bad enough with a regular knife!

The grains are sprouting (buckwheat) for my first attempt at making pizza. Boutenko has a recipe where you leave the "batter" out overnight to ferment. Sounds interesting. She uses Flax seeds and no sprouted grains. That will be next. I didn't have rye so I'm sprouting oats to make oat bagels.

How's everyone doing today? :)

Love,
~Res

[Kellyjane]

Helloooooooooo from England:) :) :) :)

I am currently on day one of mc I did it just before xmas and lost 12lbs in 10 days, but unfortunately I put it back on and more:( :(

I was wondering if I could start this raw diet straight after my cleanse or do I still have to come of the cleanse gradually with oj then soup etc.

All comments would be greatly appreciated :D :o :eek: :rolleyes: LOL

[mtmouse]

Kellyjane,

The answer to your question is in the General Help for Newbies thread:

http://www.therawfoodsite.com/forum/showpost.php?p=25587&postcount=28

Please take a look at that whole thread. There's a "table of contents" at the beginning. The links don't seem to work properly right now, but the list gives you an idea of what topics are covered in the thread, and you can just scroll or jump to them.

Good luck with your cleanse!

[mtmouse]

WOW! I checked my pickled ginger this morning and it's fabulous! It's absolutely as good as the nasty store-bought stuff, but using good vinegar and no food coloring.

Mine isn't as sweet as the commercial stuff, but it's hotter, which we love! I can't wait to have it on my nori rolls for lunch. Yum!

http://www.freesmileys.org/emo/eatdrink026.gif (http://www.freesmileys.org)

[peanutterb]

hi everyone.
hugs and kisses.
i've been AWOL. busy. no internet. got another job for now. been walking alot but eating more. but giving thanks to God that I have money to eat with and people to eat with. so whatever.

hope you're all well.

ny is so much fun!

[Res]

Hi Peanut! Good to see you. :) Glad you're liking New York.


KellyJane: You still have to break the cleanse correctly. :)
I'll be in England in August. My first visit. It will be brief but meaningful to me. Maybe I can pick your brain on few "Cotswolds" questions? What part of England are you in? :)

Kathy: Which ginger recipe out of the 3 did you make? Or was it 2:confused: I just finished my last nori roll - ran out of Nori sheets, hence the link. ;)

Love,
~Res

[mtmouse]

Kathy: Which ginger recipe out of the 3 did you make? Or was it 2:confused: I just finished my last nori roll - ran out of Nori sheets, hence the link. ;)

I made the "complicated" one, with the blended and strained beets and raisins. It wasn't hard.

I also julienned my ginger. I tried using the scraper, but I couldn't decide which direction to scrape in and I decided my fingers were in more danger than even with my mandoline, so I used the mandoline tiny julienne cutter and it worked fine. Of course, the mandoline never gets the last quarter-inch of stock, so I had to hand-cut the rest. But I at least survived to tell the tale, LOL!

It's almost lunchtime, too! I'm going to have my nori rolls soon!

[Ginger]

I made the ginger nori rolls and took them to work. My employees are not exactly into trying new foods. But, three of them tasted my rolls and they all said they were great! I may make converts yet.

I saw my work buddy that did a 30 day cleanse this past month. He looks fabulous. He lost 35 lbs and said he feels like a different person. I'm so proud of him. Alot of folks have asked what he did and he's sharing the book and this website.

I bought some baby bellas today and will try marinating them. I haven't done the pickled ginger yet, but will soon.

PB - glad you dropped in. The first job didn't work out? I'm glad to hear you're happy up there.

Sim - hope your Dad is doing better.

[Kellyjane]

Good Morning everyone 8.39am from a pleasant morning in England:) :)

Thankyou for responding so quickly to my thread, I think I will do the cleanse as long as I can as I go to Spain on 2nd July, although I would like to be eating veggie by then so hopefully I will be able to do a 15 day cleanse....yippee...and get rid of all these toxins in my body:) :) :D

Can you eat any type of pasta??? or does it have to be completely raw veggie after the days of breaking the fast:rolleyes:

Speak to you all soon, have a good cleanse.

By the way I feel great this morning day 2.

K x

[Res]

KellyJane: As far as "raw" and pasta goes, if you make fake pasta out of zucchini or a raw veggie you can call it "pasta". ;) If you're strickly Raw, then nope.

Kathy: I have a bunch of ginger that I picked up at an asian market. They had a mountain of the stuff and very inexpensive compared to the grocery stores that have this tiny bin of ginger. I'm going to make the ginger this weekend.

I tried making bagels out of sprouted oats because I couldnt' find rye berries (which I would've preferred). They're still dehydrating and look "interesting". ;)

**Last but not least, :) A heartfelt "WELCOME" to mtmouse and Sim as new Moderators. :D**

[TeePee]

PB--glad to hear you are enjoying NY!!!!

Quiet here today?

[HealthyBiz]

**Last but not least, :) A heartfelt "WELCOME" to mtmouse and Sim as[/COLOR] new Moderators. :D**

Thanks for the news, Res. Two excellent choices!!! Congratulations, mtmouse and Sim!! http://www.freesmileys.org/emo/gen014.gif You would have been my choices, had I been doing the choosing. :):D

It's such a busy time for me; sorry to be so infrequent. So much to tell! I bribed my students to come to class early tonight, so I could leave early and see, hear, meet Jennifer Cornbleet! I am now the proud owner of a signed book and DVD. She's so cute. Very petite and sweet. Laughs a lot during her demonstration. She showed how to use the spiralizer with zucchini and also how to use a regular vegetable peeler for wider "noodles" if you don't have the spiralizer yet (me). I'm adding this book to my collection now and hoping to find time to use it soon. Also hoping to find time to make the nori rolls. So happy to see pictures and hear stories from mtmouse and Res on how to improve the recipe! And congrats to Ginger for using the rolls to entice her employees to consider Raw! I think Ani Phyo's book might be my next one, but I'm going to have to learn discipline and hold off buying new books until I make a recipe or two out of the ones I already have!! ;) So glad to hear about the pickled ginger; can't wait to try that one! Like a few of you, I thought the color was from something unnatural, so I was glad to hear it was from one of my favorite vegetables, the beet. Nice.

Hey, Kathy, guess what's going on at my local Costco?! Yep ... it's Vitamix week. I loved watching the demos; really helpful. I brought mine home today and will retire my Osterizer to my luggage to be my traveling smoothie blender. Question: Do I need the separate dry blade container? I know it makes flour and blends dough and grinds tough things, but I couldn't find much information on what it does besides that that the wet container doesn't do. I understand the wet container will make nut butters, so I assume it will grind the nuts and sprouted grains I need for the recipes. I think. Anyone out there with a Vitamix that knows anything about the Dry Blade container, I'd love to hear from you!

I don't yet have a food processor and I'm wondering if I really need one. I've been able to make most of the recipes I wanted to make with my old blender, coffee grinder and dehydrator. Something about necessity being the mother of invention? :rolleyes: Now that I've bought my Vitamix, I'm thinking things will be so much easier now. Right?

Anyway, Res, I'm tossing you the bag of cranberries while I have the 9-tray dehydrator full of pineapple. Want some? ;) It's now my favorite snack. I forget what recipe it goes in ... and I probably wouldn't have too much left after a week anyway. LOL! I'm heading out of town this weekend and will definitely find room in my bag for DH pineapple. :p

Peanutterb, glad to hear you're still enjoying NYC. Such a great place. But you're right; you definitely need money to enjoy it! Were you the one who doesn't eat seeds? Could you tell me why? The Vitamix demonstrator was suggesting we use grapes with seeds to get the extra antioxidant value from the crushed seeds. He also included the seeds from bell pepper and apples and cantaloupes and I forget what else, but very little got peeled (bananas and oranges) or seeded. I wanted you standing next to me so you could tell me why that's probably not a good thing. Or maybe a good thing for some of us but not for others??

Nance, you're brave visiting here with so many days left on your cleanse! So many good questions. Hey, what's with the 51 year old crowd? Me too! Hmmm.... Perhaps we should just pick a day next year for our group 52nd BD party. Here's an idea, J Cornbleet visits southern California a few times each year and is willing to offer a full-day cooking class (in addition to the longer class she teaches in northern California) if there are enough folks interested. So ... since she is so cute and fun, it would make a great outing for a group BD. I'll plan for my husband to be out on a business trip and you could all stay with me. Traffic is horrible here, but the weather is generally pretty good and we could take a field trip to Matt Amsden's restaurant. There are worse places than southern Cal. Just dreaming out loud. Oh, not to disappoint anyone, but Jennifer Cornbleet's not 100% raw. In fact, she kept mentioning how to modify her recipes if you wanted to be 100% raw. When she made her brownies and added cocoa powder, someone asked if it was raw chocolate. She said No, but that it wouldn't kill you. It was organic. Ha!

Hey, I think it would be fabulous if we could just set up a group lending library and I could borrow someone's copy of a Raw uncook book I don't yet have!! :D

Sim, you, your Dad and family are in my prayers. Heart disease is all too aggravatingly common these days. *Hugs* to all - Life is too short not to spend it with great friends ... like all of you!!

[Sim]

Hi TeePee!
Yes! I use my blank plate for banana ice creams and nut butters...can you do them in a FP? Sure, but they have a different consistency. The blank plate is amazing. I suggest you wait until SOMEONE gives you a juicer with a blank plate for a gift ;)

[Sim]

Hello my buddies~
I'm baaaccck! My dad is in a holding pattern and is resting at home, finally. Sorry I've been away from here for so long but it was unavoidable. Thank you all so much for all the the good wishes and thoughts. They helped! I guess I'll just have to face the fact that my dad's health is an issue that needs a lot of TLC, not to mention keeping my mom glued together. It's the stage of life some of us are in and although it's scary, we just have to be realistic and not fall apart. I'm fine, just a little tense every time the phone rings. :rolleyes:

Okay, so I have great news for ALL of us, news that I'm going to post on the other threads as well so that the newbies, in particular, can hear it: I got my blood results and my old-fashioned doctor was REALLY miffed. He said he never sees blood results like this because they were TOO PERFECT!!!!!!! Every single thing, with one exception, was perfect. And even the exception was nothing to worry about. Yes, it was hemoglobin...I was seven tenths of a point low but he said given my perimenopausal condition (heavy, irregular bleeding a few times), he was surprised I was not anemic. He would not recommend iron or any other supplements because EVERYTHING WAS TOO PERFECT. Cholesterol: 134. Triglycerides: 64. HDL: 68 LDL: 53 Electrolytes, thyroid, B12...all superb. So my dearest, sweetest friends, the MC and a Raw diet seem to be an excellent way to avoid the ill health that my dad is now suffering with. Everyone in my life has become concerned because yes, I've lost weight (I'm down to 105...so strange...but I'm on day 29 and I'm feeling wonderful). So when I reported my results, the smiles just grew and grew, they high-fived me and gave me their blessing to continue. It's nice for people to be concerned, nicer still to have their support. Nicer even still that I have several more family members and friends who have started the MC! AND one of the nurses at the first hospital my dad was in insisted that I email her with the website and information (which I did) and she started her cleanse the day before my dad left! So please, everyone...you don't have to go for blood tests, I just did it for you :D You're all light years ahead of the crowd for cleansing and attempting more, if not all, raw.

The ginger...sitting in my fridge getting more pickled as we speak. 12 more days of cleansing, 5 or so days of ending the cleanse (after a 40 day cleanse, I'll need at least 5 days to get back to food), then the ginger and Alissa's bagels. I can't wait. In the meantime, I'm cooking SAD and Raw for my family, while I drink my lemonade and ponder the beauty of salads with the incredible bounty available to us. As the weather gets nicer, the produce gets nicer, and I'm getting readier to eat!

Thanks for the welcome, thanks for the Dad-wishes, thanks to all of you for being open and fun and happy people who care about others. You're all the best. Talk to you later.

[Res]

Sim,

I'm so happy to hear that your Dad is doing better and out of the hospital. :)

And You!! The dr was miffed? hahahahahah - amazing. :) Congratulations on being a healthy girl! If you're down to 105 and I was at 108, you are *tiny* because I was tiny. ;) Please continue to enjoy how you're feeling! Healthy weight loss = health. We know this by experience. ;)

Love,
~Res

[mtmouse]

Sim,

All I can say is (sniff) I'm really jealous!

After my 20-day cleanse my cholesterol (high all my life) was its lowest ever, but so was my HDL (almost off the scale at the bottom)!

Then trying first cooked vegan (raw plus cooked grains and beans) all the numbers went up again.

Then all raw vegan plus dairy brought it all down a bit, and then our 30-day challenge brought it all down farther. However, my HDL always drops in greater proportion than the LDL, it seems.

And my triglycerides, while well in the normal range, are at least as high if not higher on raw/vegan than on my previous natural/healthy meat and fish/maybe 50% raw way of eating.

Of course, I've never tried strictly raw for as long a time as you have. I'm cleansing next week and will come off that raw for at least a while; I'll reassess once I'm there.

But despite my envy, I'm delighted for you, and it's clear that this is a terrific path for you!

:)

[Ginger]

As I was going to bed last night, this came on the local news channel. I must say I was VERY shocked. It's a cli on the latest diet fad...the Master Cleanse. Check it out. I'm also gonna post it on the "What day are you on" thread.

http://www.myfoxdc.com/myfox/pages/Home/Detail;jsessionid=FF603FA1252E2E718307DF9182515D3F?contentId=3433261&version=1&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=VSTY&pageId=1.1.1

It's a POSITIVE REVIEW!!!!

[Sim]

Hi Kath, Ginger, Res~
Awwww....Kath, genetics are definitely playing a hand in your cholesterol and triglycerides...still, sounds like you've got a good handle on what you need to do. Not even a sniff of jealousy allowed! After all, my hair is pathetic. :eek: About my own numbers, I'm still shocked. And delighted. ;) Who knows what makes our bodies do what they do?

So my latest strange thing: I'm almost craving cheese. I say "almost" because I don't really want to eat it, just like the thought of eating it. I never even ate that much cheese before Raw, so I don't know where this is coming from. I keep fantasizing about having many loaves of different kinds of hearty breads on the table, with many, many types of cheese, lots of olives, and wine. Pretty funny for a non-drinker who's been raw since January. And you all know the coated tongue-will-clear-up-when-you're-detoxed rule? Um...today is day 30 (Yes! only 10 more to go so I can play with my Vitamix!) and my tongue has just re-coated after being fairly pink for awhile...what's that about? I've done nothing to make that happen, doing the cleanse to the letter...must just be some old stuff, maybe even stress de-tox. I think it's all amazing.

Ginger~ Thanks for the video clip! I still get a little nervous every time Beyoncé is mentioned because she used the MC strictly for weight loss and that kind of masks the true purpose for the MC. They did a nice job of outlining liver de-tox, but the MC cleanses more than the liver. And I loved the way the very pretty young lady said that afterwards, she only wanted to eat clean, fresh things. That was an awesome comment. I know the MC can do a wonderful job with weight loss, but so can an ice cream diet, a hot dog diet, the Scarsdale Diet...all of those are quick weight loss options but the problem is always the same: can't live on those things and when you're done, the weight comes right back once you resume your previous way of eating. That's why I wish people wouldn't use the MC for weight loss alone. They get disgruntled and then the bad press begins. That's why I loved the girl's comment; it led her to want to eat differently, which is the whole key, n'est-ce pas? (that's my fancy French way of saying, "ain't that right?" :D )

Res~ I guess I am getting pretty small...my kids have all taken to calling me "LT" for "little tushie." For a former big girl, I find that very funny. My husband's colleagues, who used to be my colleagues, too, saw me the other day at his school's award ceremony. I was asked if I had had plastic surgery because they couldn't figure out what was so different about me. I told them it was the 36 pounds I've lost and a living food diet. No less than three women asked me to email them more information...I love that!

Onward and upward, kids...work awaits. Have a beautiful Friday everyone and thanks again for your healthy thoughts for my dad. Love you all.

[charlottebird]

Hi Gang!

I'm joining in here after a very inspired 10 days on my first MC. :) Yes, I lost weight (10 pounds) but more important is the empowered feeling I have.
I suffered from ED (restrict/binge) for a long time and entering Figure bodybuilding competitions didn't help that. lol! For the past 2 years I have been dealing with post-competition weight gain and lack of control around food.:(

Since following Marilu Henner's healthy lifestyle since 1998, I tend to eat healthy 75% of the time yet I am very sensitive to sugar and was unable to control the binges.

I cleaned up my diet beginning of April and lost 10 lbs but really wanted to clean out toxins with the MC. It's been amazing! I feel very strong emotionally for the first time in a while. :)

Now I am SO excited to learn about raw food recipes!:D I am making plans this weekend to try some new recipes for next week. Can't wait to 'bake' for the kids!!

Sim: Great results on your tests! wow! I hope your Dad is doing well.

Ginger: Thanks for posting that video clip. All very encouraging and oh, so, familiar!! lol!

Have a great weekend everyone!:)

[Res]

As I was going to bed last night, this came on the local news channel. My Gosh! I'm in shock! That's GREAT and amazing! You know what this means right? Busy Busy BB. ;)

What a contrast huh? Pills, programs, $$$$$ for weight loss and then they show the ingredients for the master cleanse and it's everything you can get at a grocery store and cheaper and better for you than taking a "pill". hahaha :D Thanks Ginger! I loved what she said at the end about "wanting to put good things into her body now". :) The Master Cleanse is so much more than what it appears to be. It's life changing. :)

Sim: I agree about the mention of Beyonce. Oh well...

and my tongue has just re-coated after being fairly pink for awhile...what's that about? This is what I think (and I'm no expert). I believe the cleanse cleanses in layers - the longer you cleanse the deeper it goes. Say it goes through 3 layers and the tongue gets pink in the 10 or 21 day period but you continue to cleanse and all the "surface" stuff is gone so the cleanse goes, "DIVE! DIVE!" and down it goes rooting out what's deeper - even to health problems that you may have had as a child.

Everyone I've followed on a 40 day cleanse has experienced the same thing - unexpected detox symptoms. One beloved member had Horrid detox symptoms on Day 39! :eek: She kept going until the symptoms dissipated. Our own Sophie was detoxing past 45 days.

Because of the world we live in, air, food, water, chemical cleaners etc I don't believe we'll be 100% clean but I think we can make an amazing detox dent by following the cleanse. :) You can be sitting next to someone who had their clothes dry cleaned and you wouldn't know why your allergies kicked in. It's everywhere! But luckily our bodies were made to fight the bad stuff so all of our filters are working on our behalf even without our help. But a pure food diet and exercise and the Master Cleanse are like Servants helping us to optimize our care for our bodies (-she's says as she munches the last of the cranberry scones-. I envy all of you who have cranberries. :p )

So there's my 2 cents for the day and I'm sticking to it! ;) And I want to mirror Sim's LOVE to everyone here. :)

~Res

[Res]

Charlotte: We're so glad you're here! :D

You may want to start on Page 1 and copy all the recipes - I believe we put them here AND in the recipe box. It's been a ~Wild Ride~ ;)

Love,
~Res

[mtmouse]

Hi my buddies!

My timeline is counting down. DH goes away twice a year for 10 days to 2 weeks, so I decided that would be a good time to do my cleanses. He leaves this Monday, so I'm about to dive in! :eek:

I've already noticed some differences, and I do think it's because of our emphasis on raw here. Usually the first couple of days after he leaves I eat all sorts of stuff I never eat (and usually don't enjoy), because I "can". (As though he'd been thwarting me somehow all the rest of the time, LOL.)

Also, before other cleanses I would kind of anticipate deprivation of some sort, and would have pre-cleanse "special" foods (again, as though I couldn't eat them whenever I wanted).

This time, I'm just quietly continuing to eat my raw foods, with the occasional non-raw bite or two, feeling perfectly calm and satisfied. I'm letting my fridge get emptier and emptier and planning to send him off with anything that's left on Monday morning, and I'm looking forward to my cleanse with peaceful acceptance and equanimity. It feels really different!

Today I bought lemons and limes. I've got a good stock of agave and MS and cayenne and lax tea.

Oh, and Sim, you and I are going to be twins in another way, because I'm going to order my Vita-mix next week! Which means it'll probably come while I'm cleansing and I'll have to stare at it for a long time before I can use it! You can cheer me on and tell me all the wonderful things you're making with yours.

I still don't know how long I'll be cleansing this time. On my last cleanse (#3), I couldn't wait to stop after 10 days. But the ones before that were quite different, so I'm hoping this will be, too. He'll be gone for 14 days, so it would be nice to do at least that. And if I'm on a roll by then, I'll just keep going. I'll just play it day to day after #10.

Good weekend all!

[TeePee]

Hi Girls,

CONGRATULATIONS SIM AND MTMOUSE!!!:D

Mtmouse, I will be shortly behind you to begin cleansing. I am shooting for June 23 or 25 as a start date. I will be done teaching for the summer and feel "ready" I have no set goal, except for the mininum ten which I've done each time I start, with the most being 13 days I think.

I am sitting here with my 7 year old daughter. She has fever of 103. Back to doctor today, no ear infection as suspected, did culture for strep, negative, so he said it's the flu, with a nasty looking throat. I'm praying for no vomitting!

I ran out to get her some chicken and stars, got an avocado for dinner and it was "missing" when I got home. NO Guac tonight!!! I had some of Matt's Eggsalad that I whippped up last night. I know he says to put in blender, but this time I tried the food processor and ya know, I like it WAY better that way. It is fluffier and as a bonus, much easier to remove from food processor than digging down in the Vita-Mix! I also used much less lemon juice. Yummy.

Sim, glad Dad is doing better. :o Keeping you all in my prayers. Those blood results speak for themselves!! You are an inspiration to us all!!! I will go this summer to get mine redone. I am just curious to see how much cholestrol has gone down since November.

Love to all!!!