The Raw Food Diet isn’t Bad for Your Teeth!

I know there are a lot of people out there who are under the impression that a raw food diet can be damaging to your teeth.  Well, I just had to pipe up as living proof that this does not need to be the case!  I just got home from the dentist and neither the hygienist or dentist could stop telling me how gorgeous and healthy my teeth are!

Now some of you may point out that perhaps that is because I’m not a 100% raw foodist.  I laugh at this and wonder why anyone would think that processed foods would improve someone’s teeth?  In my experience, the more raw, vegan food I eat, the healthier and whiter my teeth become.

The truth is, unless you’ve got some serious underlying health issues affecting your teeth, a raw food diet should do nothing but benefit them.  Here’s how I care for my teeth.  I’m not saying you need to do what I do to have a healthy smile, but maybe some of the things that work for me will help you too!

1. I brush my teeth twice a day, without fail.  I use an extra-soft, plain G.U.M toothbrush, because that’s what my dentist recommends.  I also use regular, fluoridated toothpaste.  I might try toothsoap in the future, and will definitely let you know how that goes when I do!
2. I use soft picks every night before I floss.  My dentist recommended these in my first pregnancy when my gums were getting sensitive from hormone changes.  They are amazing and completely restored my gum health in days!  I’ve kept using them ever since.
3. I floss my teeth every night (before I brush) with waxed floss, and I make sure to pull the floss down the length of each tooth to pull off any build up from each tooth.
4. I limit my fruit intake.  Yup… you heard right.  While fruit is wonderful for so many reasons, it can be hard on the teeth.  Now don’t get me wrong!  I definitely eat fruit.  I eat fruit every day, but I stick to a few very basic guidelines to help make sure I’m not damaging my teeth in the process.  You may agree or disagree with my thoughts, but if you’re having tooth problems, I highly recommend experimenting and researching further to see what will work best for you:
• I avoid eating unripe fruit
• I try not to eat too much citrus/acidic fruit
• When possible, I eat tree-ripened fruits – they taste better too!
• I try to ensure that I eat more greens than fruit every day
• I try to eat a variety of vegetables and non-sweet fruits every day too

That’s it!  No fancy equipment, no rigid cleaning schedule…  Just happy, strong, healthy, and pretty gums and teeth!

Raw Diva Baby Update #2

It’s a GIRL!!!! Yay!  Yet another little diva soon to be in our midst!  Of course, we would be just as happy if it were a boy, but YAAY!  It’s a GIRL! 

So we had our 2nd US doctor appointment, and all is well.  The baby weighs 6 oz (it amazes me that they can tell that, since they obviously can’t actually weigh her). 

Around week 14 I kept wondering if the flutters I was feeling were the baby, but since most women can’t feel any movement until week 20 (so says Baby Central), I thought maybe it was just my imagination or other things shifting around – especially since my digestion has noticeably slowed (as is normal in pregnancy).

As it turns out, it actually is the baby I’m feeling.  She flipped and turned several times during today’s ultrasound, and I got the familiar feeling of movement each time… so yeah… it isn’t gas, it’s a baby!

Here’s the symptoms update:

1. feeling extremely tired – same as last month
2. attention span is more normal, except for getting to tired
3. forgetfulness seems better
4. nausea is much improved, but still present (mainly in the evenings)
5. dizziness is gone
6. the smelling abilities of a blood hound remain and now anything perfumed (like laundry soap) smells especially horrible at the moment
7. inability to enjoy my former staples (bananas, green smoothies, etc) – I’m still off green smoothies, but am enjoying fruit smoothies from time to time now
8. varied cravings – mostly for fresh fruit now… and the odd publix sub!  My most consistent craving however, has been for ice water with lemon.  Yum!

My diet is still a combination of raw and non-raw.  I have had some steamed broccoli lately, but mostly want fresh, juicy fruits.  Funny enough, it is very difficult to get decent oranges in Florida at the moment (huh?).  I know – so odd, considering Florida is famous for oranges, but I’m guessing that much like South Africa (where I lived twice for six months each time), all the best fruit is exported.  So I’ve moved on to nectarines.  Publix has had tree ripened nectarines in stock lately, and they are amazing!  Unfortunately the aren’t organic, but I’m enjoying them anyway.  The cost of groceries where we live is outrageous, so I have started trying to make my way to some of the local farmers markets.  So far they have been very small with very limited produce, but it is always nice to buy from them when possible.

Oh… one last thing… to any woman out there who is also pregnant and finding it hard to get comfortable at night… I highly recommend getting the “Back ‘n Belly” pregnancy pillow.  My first pregnancy I didn’t have a pregnancy pillow and now that I have this one, I don’t know how I would ever survive with out it.  It’s amazing!

So that’s the baby update for the moment.  If I can work up the energy, I will post some ultrasound images tomorrow!

xo  Amy

75 Simple Living Strategies for an Ideal Life

Raw Food Pioneers Living A Life They Love
I first met Jackie in Costa Rica. As soon as I met this lively character I bombarded her with questions like no one had ever done before. I was so curious and excited by who she was and how she lived with her family in the jungles of Costa Rica!! And over time I got the chance to know her better and after several requests, she finally allowed me to share with others a window into her world. As a family they live in the heart of the jungle making it out to the neighboring towns and cities about once a month as a family. The rest of the teim, they bask in what is for them a blissful, natural life.

At the crack of sun, the family jumps to their feet, sharpens their machetés and gets on with the busy day of life on the fruit farm. By the time most of us are getting up to wipe the sleep out of our eyes, this lively bunch has already put in a good 3 hours of hard physical labor. When you talk about eating well, being fit, getting proper sun and rest… well, you realize what a struggle it is for most of us because we no longer live in a natural environment.

Jackie, her husband Doug and their children; Julianna (17), Olivia (15), Giovanni (13),  and Aureliano (7) live about as close as you could get to a natural, pioneering lifestyle. We trust you’ll appreciate her tips wisdom and time. (In her writing, she calls me their “adopted cub” because she really has done a lot to “take me in” and offer me a great deal of support and kindness throughout the time we have known each other.)

Tera (our adopted cub) has asked us to give an idea of our lifestyle and diet.  We’re very reluctant to do so, for most people think we are too extreme.  We think of ourselves as Pioneers ~ Old Style ~ working and loving the land!  Also, we’ve been creating our lifestyle for the last 26 years and don’t honestly believe that if we jumped into it as is, we’d necessarily like it.  So, why would anybody else?  We can give some guidelines to live up to!

Our diet is constantly improving!  We’ve been 80% Raw from Ann Wigmore, Viktorus Kulvinskus and The Biogenic Society since ’81 when my husband and I met at a small Natural Health College.  We’ve lived in Costa Rica on about 60 acres for over 15 years with plenty of wild greens, fruit trees and bamboo.  We’ve been 100% Raw for two years and are now about 90%, which is more comfortable for us at this time. 

We truly believe in self-sufficiency, have no workers other than our four children ages 16-10, who were all born at home with only family attendance.  It would be reasonable to assume that we grow all our own food ~ would if we could!  Unfortunately, our climate will not allow for most veggies.  So, we have organic friends in the mountains who bring us a weekly delivery ~ we also provide this service to neighbor friends.  A horse, goat, chickens, banties, bunnies, Russian hamsters, parakeets and a mouse complete our family right now.  We take care of our farm all morning ~ have school all afternoon.  To Some This Is Boring ~ To Us Bliss!

Life is a fantastically, wonderful journey of joy and lessons, which when learned should be seen for the blessings they are.  Quick fixes don’t usually work!  Everybody is different and needs to find out what works for themselves.

Hopefully the list below can give some ideas of where to start!

If you’d like to know more information you are welcome to contact us.

Love, Jackie

1. Take Responsibility For Your Health and Life

2. Make Home A Sanctuary ~ Don’t Bring “Bad Stuff” Home
3. 100% Pure/Organic/Whole Foods
4. Eaducate Yourself ~ Trust Your Wisdom!
5. 80% Live/Vital Foods Minimum ~ Some “Raw” Foods Are Junk
6. Read LABELS ~ Understand What You Are Eating!
7. Simplify. Always Simplify
8. Cook With Minimal Temperatures ~ Avoid Frying
9. Vegan/Vegetarian? ~ Your Conscious Decision!
10. No Processed/Refined Foods ~ Avoid All Chemicals
11. Follow Food Combining Rules ~ Limit Items Per Meal
12. Moderation In All Things ~ Very Wise!
13. Soak All Grains, Seeds, Nuts And Beans 8 Hours Before Using
14. Juices/Smoothies: High Nutrition ~ Easy To Digest (Drink Within 20 Min)
15. “Follow Your Bliss!” ~ Joseph Campbell’s Wisdom
16. Sufficient Greens In The Diet “Green Inside= Clean Inside
17. No Microwaved OR Irradiated Foods
18. Natural Sea Salt In Moderation ~ No Aluminum Silicate
19. Don’t Eat When You Are Angry, Sad, Scared OR Anxious
20. Only Stainless Steel OR Glass Cookware ~ No Aluminum OR Teflon
21. No Negativity ~ Only Love ~ Pure Love!
22. Detoxify Home ~ Throw Away Anything Questionable
23. Daily Music Therapy ~ Bach Not Rock
24. Extra Virgin Olive Oil OR Coconut Oil – No Vegetable Oils
25. Intention Is Everything! ~ Evaluate Intentions!

    

26. Green Clean Only ~ Use Borax, Bicarbonate, EMA, Lemon & W.Vinegar
27. Daily Pet Therapy ~ Pet Your Pets!
28. Organize Your Living Spaces ~ A Place For Everything…
29. No Chlorine Bleach In Drinking Water, Toilets OR Swimming Pools
30. Hot/Cold Water Alternating Therapy ~ Stimulating/Healing
31. No Artificial Sweeteners LikeNutraSweet, Equal,  Saccharine OR W.Sugar
32. Beauty Therapy ~ Surround Yourself Only With Things You Love!
33. Pure/Clean Water ~ Drink Plenty!
34. Always Be Willing To Change For The Better!
35. Limit Radiation ~ Limit TV, Computer, Cell Phones & Towers, X-Rays
36. Full-Body Sunshine Daily ~ Closed Eyes “Looking” At The Sun
37. Plenty Of Unmedicated Sleep
38. No Fluoride In Drinking Water, Toothpaste OR Mouthwash

    

39. Laugh & Hug Several Times Each Day
40. Avoid Metal Contact With Skin ~ Rings, Watch, Necklace OR Earrings
41. Cotton OR Natural Fiber Clothing ~ Not Too Tight
42. If It Feels Right *** It Is Right ~ Trust Your Heart!
43. Only Glass Drinking Bottles, Plates, Bowl & Glasses
44. Use Alternative Energies If Possible
45. Non-Toxic Soap & Shampoo, Essential Oils ~ No Deodorant OR Perfume
46. Avoid Piercings And Tattoos
47. Reconcile Any Broken Relationships That Bother You
48. Chew All Food Well ~ Fletcherize
49. No Aluminum Foil OR Plastic Wrap
50. Walk Barefoot On Grass In Early Morning
51. Natural Contraceptives ~ Abstinence, Rhythm, Withdrawal OR Condoms
52. Love Your Work ~ TEST: No Need For Vacations!
53. Deep Breathing ~ Abdominal Vacuum Yoga
54. No Sunglasses ~ Sunlight To Eyes Is Extremely Important

    

55. Replace ALL Metal In Mouth ~ Fillings, Crowns & Bridges
56. Avoid Air Travel ~ Hidden Radiation
57. Color Therapy ~ Utilize Colors For Health
58. No Immunizations ~ Degrades Immune System
59. Organic Garden Therapy ~ Get Dirty!
60. No Caffeine, Alcohol, Tobacco OR Other Drugs
61. Walk Daily Everywhere ~ “The Best Exercise!”
62. Meditation ~ Thinking About Good Things
63. Shower Before Bed ~ Just Good Hygiene
64. Nobody Is Perfect! ~ Do The Best You Can!
65. Minimize Medications ~ Substitute Natural Remedies If Possible
66. edtime: Eight O’ Clock ~ Up With The Sun!
67. No Synthetic Vitamins, Minerals OR Hormones

    

68. Wash New Clothes Several Times Before Wearing
69. Gratitude ~ Everything Is A Blessing!
70. Most Things In Health Food Stores Are Not Healthy ~ Be Aware!
71. Periodic Cleansing/Detoxification Programs
72. Value Family Above All ~ Realize Everybody Is Family!
73. “Make It Go Right!” ~ My Dad’s Favorite Blessing
74. Easy Ideas That When Incorporated Into Your Daily Schedule Make An Enormous Difference ~ Use Whatever Is Logical To You.
75. Create A Healthy, Authentic Lifestyle That Works For You In Your Home And Work Place ~ Which You Live 95% Of The Time.  This Is What Counts!
76. When You Are In Unusual Circumstances ~ Enjoy Yourself!

Papaya for younger, healthier skin!

Thanks to Tracy Neely , our in-house Raw Diva for this  delicious beauty tip!

It’s time to get rid of that wintery layer of dead skin cells with a deliciously natural pampering projet. Make sure to set aside and evening for your self once in a while and take the time to treat yourself with the yummy masque recipe!

Papaya Masque Recipe
Papaya is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that naturally exfoliates the skin gently. Use this masque recipe that is loaded with Vitamins A and C to remove dead skin cells and rejuvenate your skin naturally?

Instructions:

Please note: If you have sensitive skin, please be sure to test the mixture on your hand before putting it on that gorgeous face of yours.

1. Start by blending the fruit of one papaya with 1 teaspoon raw honey and the juice of 1/2 a lemon in a blender. The consistency should be like a smooth paste,
2. Cleanse the face, apply masque, being careful to avoid the immediate eye area.
3. Allow it to sit on the face for 15 minutes
4. Rinse twice and apply your favorite moisturizer. Enjoy that gorgeous soft skin looking younger than ever!

More Bloggin Awards

Not ONE, not TWO… but THREE TIMES!!!

We’re jumping and dancing and hooting and hollering with happiness because we were voted THREE times in 2 Days to win the Inspirational Blogger Award!! Big THANK YOU to Kristen of Kristen’s Raw, and Bob and Keely Bush! We’ve still got more to nominate, so watch soon blog and find out if yours will be next!!

We Won a Blogging Award!!

Wow! We have been honoured with not one, but TWO amazing gifts of:

“For those bloggers who inspire others through their words and actions. With a positive attitude, and uplifting spirit these bloggers make the blogosphere a better place, and encourage others to do the same. This award is for bloggers who rise up to set an example but continue to reach out and support others.”

Not only did these awards arrive on the same day, but each came from an amazing inspiration in and of themselves!

Thank you so much to Keely for being one of our original and most supportive Raw Divas. Keely, your energy, dedication, and joie de vivre have been with us since the beginning of our Raw Divas Community and we are so thankful for who you are and all you do.

Thank you to Kristen, of Kristen’s Raw. You’re charming, gorgeous, sassy, and fun and we are honoured to be recognized by you!

Ladies, we’re honoured to be honoured by two women we admire so much ourselves!

In the spirit of this award, we understand that we in turn are now to nominate 5 bloggers to receive this award. We hope that our picks will bring some fabulous, as yet unhonoured, but highly deserving, bloggers onto your screens and into your hearts too!

1. Our very own Raw Diva, Joyce, who inspires with her fabulous food images and recipes!
2. Penelope, who shares so much soul so freely.
3. Alex, The Girl who helps so many get inspired to begin.
4. Jen, who reminds us of the quiet beauty and rolling joy in life.
5. Andrea, whose love is so beautiful

Now since we’ve been honoured twice in one day (I can’t stop smiling and saying, sorry!), we thought maybe that allows us an extra set of votes…

1. Danny, who shows us creative ways to make recycling fun and beautiful.
2. Keri, who is a true artist.
3. Melanie, who paints images with her words that twinkle.
4. Ecorazzi, who dishes the eco-dirt on the glitterati we secretly love to know about.
5. Jen Lemen, who is beautifully colourful.

Enjoy!

Dissolving in Sunshine

Yesterday I walked into the living room, and the sun was incredible! It just pouring into the room. I couldn’t do anything other than STOP and be completely in THAT moment.

I adjusted the couch to allow my face to fall right in the sunniest part of the room. Then I could do nothing other than be there, blissfully, in the serenity of being. I felt myself dissolving into sunshine.

I wouldn’t have traded any beach in the world for THAT moment in the sun.

It’s really something when you realize you’re perfectly happy wherever you are, because when you get there you realize that wherever you are is perfectly happy to be with you, too.

Make sense?

Don’t worry about it. Just lie back and dissolve in sunshine every one in a while, and you’ll know what I mean.

Muah!

About the Green Smoothie Jugs

Hi Everyone! I have been reading the comments to Tera’s last post with great interest. Thank you to everyone who has been adding their 2 cents. I love the questioning, the integrity and the intelligence of everyone taking part in this conversation over the past month or so. Your comments have prompted me to make some comments of my own as well…

When I first heard, from a concerned Raw Diva, about the worries of Nalgene (a plastic I had always associated with being safer than other plastics), I was pretty wound up and upset. The last thing I would want to do would be to offer our customers a “dangerous” product!

I immediately started researching the claims and looking into alternatives. After quite a bit of research, what I learned was this:

• The only “safe” vessel for food and drink is glass.
• Heat increases the likelihood of leaching.
• You should replace your bottle every six months or whenever it appears worn.
• When you buy a new bottle wash it out with warm water and a mild detergent and let it dry at room temperature.
• Do not wash your bottle in the dish machine or leave it for prolonged periods in direct sunlight.
• Only use the bottle to carry cold liquids.
• While it is important to keep the bottle clean and bacteria-free, avoid strong detergents and bleach as they can facilitate leaching.

So what’s a diva to do?

After a little thought, I realized how silly it was for me (please note that this my opinion regarding myself, and not a judgement of how you, or anyone else, might feel about the topic) to be worrying about my nalgene jugs, when I often: drink store-bought bottled water, use gladware and other tupperware type containers for storing food and drink in the fridge, eat and drink from restaurant dishes (which are washed in harsh chemicals several times a day), walk on cheap carpeting in our rented townhouse, wear clothes purchased from Walmart on a regular basis, sometimes use non-organic cleaning supplies and soaps, sometimes wear nylon clothing, own plastic flip-flops, wear makeup, colour my hair, sometimes wear drycleaned clothing, use disposable cutlery when eating take out, have wireless internet, use a cellphone, put gas in my car, eat non-organic produce (if you’d like a report I have on the chemicals found in commonly purchased grocery store items, let me know and I will send it to you), use a cordless phone, have electricity in my home, shower in “city” water, use a computer, use a toothbrush, eat at restaurants, go to the dentist, use many organic products packaged in plastics, have painted walls, breathe, and… well, you get the picture…

Basically, modern life is so full of carcinogens, and I thoughtlessly use so many plastics (and most plastics are carcinogenic and hormone altering) and other carcinogens in every day life, my nalgene bottle is just a drop in the ocean. So I will happily use my jug for another few months, and when it’s looking a little worn and possibly falling into “leaching” territory, I’ll get rid of it and carry on with my life… but until I banish all of the other plastics from my life, I’m not going to get so focused on the latest craze. I’d be more worried about buying coconuts or gogi berries from Chinatown, than I am about my 3 nalgene bottles. I will do my best to use them responsibly, and as I eventually weed out some of the more major carcinogens from my life, perhaps I will focus on nalgene again… but until then, I believe my negative thoughts on the topic are more clinically proven to be harmful than the jugs themselves.

I guess it comes down to realizing that the nalgene discovery is just the latest thing – but that doesn’t mean its the worst. In another month or so, they’ll be something new to focus our thoughts on and it will seem worse than everything else.

Perhaps it’s listening to the news that I should really banish from my life!

At the end of the day, the plastic debate is a valid one, but one that you will need to decide on for yourself. If that means you decide not to purchase nalgene products, that is absolutely your choice – but don’t stress about it one way or another, because that could be a lot worse than drinking from your favourite water bottle!

Your thoughts are always of interest, and I respect your opinions – even when they are in opposition to mine, so go ahead and share your impressions and knowledge. You never know who they will inspire or guide to the right decision for them!

A Story About a Man Who Survived Cancer

Oh, I wish I could hold it back sometimes, but when my buttons get pushed, I’m a fire hydrant of passion for the powers that be. The good ones, that is. There’s a time for sweet talk and there’s a time for taking communication a few tones up a notch in intensity.

If your kid ran out into the street while a semi truck was racing toward him, would you just whisper to him to come back at his convenence, or do what it takes to save a life? Before I get into my little spout-off, I just want to share with you a bit about the person with whom I shared my evening yesterday.

I’m fortunate, because while some believe miracles don’t happen every day, I’ve decided they do, and am therefore blessed in that I see them and hear of them often. But last night was special. Last night was EXTRAordinary.

I met a man named Noe, who, after experiencing some persistent pain in his leg, went for a check up. Prognosis: Cancer EVERYWHERE in the guy’s chest, lungs and heart area. Upon observation they stated disbelief at the fact he was still alive and didn’t give him much more than 10 days at best.

His reaction, “I don’t have time to be sick.”

They could not find any “reason” for his cancer. He never ate fried food, or worked in an excessively toxic environment. They said, this looks like something “emotionally caused.”

Well, with more than your average human’s sense of determination, he faced the situation head on–no Q&A. He accepted to be part of a study, and had to take the private route (an expensive one) to avoid lengthy delays and bureaucracy.

There were 27 people in the study along with him. All with similar conditions, but his was definitely among the “worst” of the cases. He had to undergo extensive testing to be able to participate in the study.

Nearly immediately upon diagnosis, this person started to recall moments in his past, actually, meals in his past, and became ravenously hungry. Like as if his body knew he was going to need some fuel to get through what was coming.

He ate 3 and 4 huge meals a day, and went to whatever restaurant he felt like going to. Memories popped up and he packed up in his car and made his way to wherever he had been “called.” Ate like a King. Not a raw food king. A carnivorous king. He ate huge amounts of meat, potatoes and classic, nourishing delights of the cooked variety.

Within the first few days of chemotherapy, 10 of the participants of the study dropped off like flies. “It was tough,” he said to me. And I could see in his eyes, he meant it.

But for Heaven’s sake, this guy’s will to live was greater than anything that could try to knock it down. Throughout the INTENSE chemotherapy and rigorous testing to which he was continuously subjected, the guy never missed a day on the job of life.

He still picked up his kids every day from school, drove them home and tucked them in bed.

On two separate occasions, because of the extreme stress through which his body was being put, his heart just stopped. TWICE, he “died” and was “brought back” to life.

On one occasion, a Rabi was brought into the room, to read him his last whatever it is a Rabi reads or says as a person makes there transition to death. And my new friend, said graciously, “Stop that! I’m not going anywhere.”

Damn tootin!

Two and a half years later, he still kicking up dust. Never misses a day of work. Makes 5 times what he did 2 years ago and just kinda “gets” what life is all about now. He takes pain medication to handle the side effects of chemotherapy. But he’s prescribed 8 pills a day, and takes two. He works so much, he told me, that he just doesn’t put his attention on the pain during the day.

Oooh, I could on. I could say more. More details to shake up a nation, but that’s enough. The point is, you make your life, or you don’t. You go down kicking, if you go down at all.

Don’t ever accept a label, no matter who slaps it on your forehead. You are YOU. You are not your body, because if you were, then people like him, and like so many others wouldn’t keep defying every supposed “law” that exists in the physical universe.

At the end of my evening of having basked again in the certainty that life is what you make of it, I received this email:

“Hey girlfriend – I’m about to fly off to Arizona for a week but just found out about this and wanted to ask you.

I don’t know if you’ve heard the latest on nalgene bottles – but it seems there is some chemical in them that leaches out into the contents and it’s said to be carcinogenic. Have to say I’m more than a little disturbed by this, having bought two nalgene water bottles plus the green smoothie bottle lately thinking they were safe.

I just did a google search for more info and while there is ongoing research on this, Mountain Equipment Co-op here in Canada has withdrawn all nalgene bottles from their shelves and there does seem to be evidence that we shouldn’t be using them. It feels like it’s worth listening to.

I know like with all of these types of things people will likely say there is little risk – and I know we can’t avoid all toxic things but I do like to reduce my exposure as much as possible – and it seems sort of incongruous that here I am eating raw food to basically detox my body and be healthy and both my water bottles and my green smoothie bottle seem to be toxic.

I’m wondering what your refund policy is on these bottles? Not good news I’m sure, but I am concerned.”

I felt crushed. Not about another scandalous report on Nalgene bottles. Definitely NOT about the sale of my BRILLIANTLY created Green Jugs. Crushed that so many people can be knocked down so easily.

I mean, the newspapers don’t write stories about people like the man I met last night because they’re funded by drug companies, for the most part. It would be bad for business.

I’m not trying to be a revolutionary, you can me an evolutionary. Because while I do so believe in the creation of human ability, and while I do so believe that we can do and be anything, given the state of the world today, I think it takes GUTS!

Nalgene bottles were made as a solution to excessive consumption of plastic water bottles that most people pick up in a drug store for a$1 a litre. They’re made of a hard plastic because at the time, everyone was panicked about the carcinogenic properties of soft plastic. It was a solution, at the time, to an apparent problem. And I think it’s still a valid solution as long as I see humans toting the drug store variety, Nalgene still has something good to offer the world.

I’m not going to repeat myself about their carcinogenic qualities. No way. You can read my previous post on that.

But I will say this, more and more I get the fact that to make it out there in the “real world”, you have to be a Tiger.

You’re going to have dig your teeth into life and just be willing to push yourself when confronted with drama. Defy the labels and apparent laws. Make your own and relentlessly bring them into being.

We create more of what we validate. Validate carcinogens, and we create more cancer. But validate the human spirit, validate the unlimited potential of who you inherently are, and the whole network of connected beings takes a deep breath and lives a day longer in a world that would otherwise keep us choked down.

I will never dare look at Noe and say that raw food is the answer. He knows without a doubt that an insatiable appetite for meat and food that lasted weeks is what enabled his body to have the energy to survive what he did. All the other participants but one died or are still strapped to I.V.s and lifeless. He never missed a day in action taking life head on.

I will never say that one way is the right way, because when you live from the depths of who you are, food is but decoration for a much, much bigger game. Living fearlessly!

Go out there and live! Build your empires on dreams and hopes and defy what the merchants of chaos sell in their headlines and trashy magazines. Buy another Nalgene bottle before you even consider laying down a nickle for Time Magazine, or another year’s subscription to satellite TV.

Me…*giggle* I’m ordering more happiness jugs and placing my vote for the fact that thoughts, not things, make the world a better place to be.

And I’m going to keep telling the inhabitants of this gorgeous, green Earth that they are more than they think they are and that they can do more, much more than they ever thought possible.

And until they believe it for themselves, I hope for them to encounter people like Noe, who live it and remind us of what is possible.

Merci, Noe!

Raw Divas International UNITE!!

Introducing our newest Raw Diva from ESTONIA!! She just sent us an update on her progress in the 7 Day Diva Detox. I get totally excited about it every time we meet a new inspiring Raw Diva from around the world! Very Cool!

Dear Raw Divas!

Thank you so much for everything! My first day was great, I had a two hour walk in the
morning and short one in the evening. I also watched film… “Apocalyptico”, it helped so
much to forget about food.I decided to wait till morning and then had a big apple.. Oh, it was delicious, but i just
couldn’t finish it in one seat, it didn’t fit into my stomach : )
Now i had a green smoothy, i just tried to do something simple, as you recommend to do,
and i am so grateful for all your recommendations, because my body just feels, that they are
effective. So here is the recepie..

Some water and a good bunch of parsley in the blender, blend it for a minute, then pour into a cup through the sieve to took hard parsley leftovers off. Then pour green “juice” back to blender, add several apples, one kivi fruit and a piece of ginger.

It tastes really harmonious to me : ) apple sweetness, balanced with greens, little sourness of kivi and hotness of ginger.

I am sorry for my english, i live i Estonia. I am feeling, like i am only one “crazy raw” girl here, so your support is so important for me!

THANKS!
Reny
*And as if that wasn’t cool enough, we got this great message this week from some of our Raw Divas hanging out in Puerto Rico. Liz and Erin, who met each other through our Body Enlightenment System and Sisterhood program, managed to connect in person this week for the first time!*

Here’s the little message Erin sent us. She’s detoxing Wigmore style at the Ann Wigmore Institude in Puerto Rico!

We wish we could be there with you, Ladies!

” Hi Ladies, Greetings from Puerto Rico! I had the opportunity to meet one of the ladies from my Raw Divas group last week! Such fun!! I have been enjoying my time here. Great seeing my brother. The 1st week I was sooooo tired so I rested alot,This week I took some of the classes.Wonderful learning opportunity.We have been so far I have had a couple massages…a great treat.The past few evenings we have been walking the past 2 nites 2 miles. In between classes we rebound. Also done some spin poi…such fun! Bye for now xoxo ERin For those that have not seen me in person I am the one w/ dark hair.