Reflecting Upon Your Achievements in 2009

What a day!

A bit about my day:
I spent the whole day working with some new business partners and I’m so excited about what’s coming in the new year. I’ll limit the self-indulgent chatter and just say that if you’d like to learn more about the live events and workshops I’ll be organizing in Montreal, you can check out the Crudessence website. In the meantime, you can check out the view from the loft where I’ll be teaching in these pictures I’ve included.

Last night I managed to work up a bit of a fever—still processing those mashed potatoes, it seems. By necessity, I was on lemon water and kombucha for the day.

When I came into the office this morning I was met with smiling faces and a familiar glowing granola energy. At lunchtime the kitchen staff put out a big spread of salads, sauces, pâtés and treats. It was amazing to be at a staff meeting where EVERYONE was eating raw food.
During the lunch hour, I got to chatting with a few of the other girls and was so reassured to hear some of the foods they’d eaten over the holidays, that I actually burst out laughing. Knowing that my friends chose to eat macaroni dinners and microwaved carrots rather than upset, annoy or irritate their families at Christmas time was touching and reassuring.

At one point during the lunch hour, the new head chef (who is not a raw foodist, but is a trained chef) presented a tray of cookies. They were COOKies, with milk, flour and eggs, but they were made with love. EVERYONE on staff took one or two out of gratitude for the offering. I was on liquids only, but was moved to see people put aside their food obsessions to partake of a special offering.

About the 21-day challenge:
So, let’s talk about what’s going to happen over the coming days and weeks.

Tomorrow is New Year’s Eve! Wow. Another year whips by and here you are wondering how it all happened so quickly.

I think the first thing for us to do is a proper review of the year. There’s no need to make any of these tasks long or complicated. As you’re reading these notes, get things done.  Even if you just take a few moments and scribble some thoughts in an old notepad, it’s better than not doing anything at all. It is important to put things in writing. Taking ideas from thought to paper is a powerful process.

What were the biggest things you accomplished this year? Take the time and reflect back on the last 12 months. If you have to pull out a calendar, do it. Now is the time to celebrate the things you did well and honor your achievements and improvements in 2009. Before we take the time to set new targets and resolutions, let’s validate all that went well and all we did successfully.

Months slip through the sands of time rather quickly. Take a few moments to recall where you were last new year’s eve. Where were you? Who were you with? What were you doing? What did you hope to achieve for yourself in this last year? What can you validate yourself for having achieved and accomplished? What can you celebrate about 2009?

Put your focus on the things you want to create more of. There may have been some rough months and rocky roads, but you got through them and are stronger for it. Honor what you did well, so that you feel inspired and empowered.  Scan briefly the months of the year and just jot down a few of the key points, events, realisations that stand out for you looking back:

• January
• February
• March
• April
• May
• June
• July
• August
• September
• October
• November
• December

Tomorrow and over the rest of the weeks, we will be more focused on creating targets and objectives for the New Year. Now is the time to review, celebrate, validate all that happened in 2009.

We wouldn’t be raw divas if we didn’t have our interests strongly grounded in food and nutrition. So let’s talk about some of what we can accomplish for ourselves over the course of our 21-Day Challenge.

One of the things that I’ve noticed (having worked with nearly 30,000 women around the world) is that extreme fasting, juice feasting and water fasting can be very difficult to bounce back from and often results in bingeing or even WORSE dietary habits after the fact. For the purposes of this 21-Day Challenge I’m going to recommend a slow and steady route to getting back on track. Rather than put our attention on all the things we should be avoiding, let’s focus on what we can be adding.

Salt is my major addiction, and the more I try to tell myself NOT to eat it, the more I feel compelled to eat it and find it everywhere I look. Whatever it is you are wanting to “avoid” focus on its opposite or a healthy alternative. For me, focusing on a lot of celery, tomatoes and mineral-rich greens is key to liberating me from my salt addiction. Telling myself to avoid salt does NOT work. Another thing that makes a big difference is drinking enough water. Chances are, no matter what you’re eating, you’re probably not drinking enough water.

They say it takes 21-days to develop a new habit. Spend some time thinking about the healthy habits you’d like to adopt for yourself. As we go through the process of setting our resolutions, objectives and targets for the New Year, I highly recommend you post them in the comments section of the blog. What a powerful way to share them, hold yourself accountable and inspire others at the same time!

In my next post I’ll cover a few objectives for food-related targets that might inspire you over the 21-Day Challenge ahead. I’ll also let you know how our New Year’s resolution and objectives will play themselves out over the weeks to come. We’ll be looking at about 10-12 specific areas of your life and setting ideal targets, short terms goals and action steps! Often we have a nasty habit of setting resolutions out of guilt for what went wrong last year and while feeling bloated for having eaten too much over the holidays! Let’s stay focused on the good stuff so we can create more of the same.

Since we’re “Raw Divas” and most of what we do is centered around food and diet, I recommend you at least articulate the food related objectives that you’re ready to start implementing when January 1 hits. What healthy habit would you like to implement in your life? For me, it’s making green juices. I would say I will be avoiding salt, but as I mentioned, that’s not been working so well. I’m going to be VERY careful about focusing on what I want to do MORE of. Adding more greens is where it’s at for me right now. I admit, the temptation to restrict fat, throw myself into a juice fast or hard-core regime is strong, but I’m convinced that slow and steady will help me win the race this year.

Okay, my dear. I’ve made this long enough and am off to prepare myself a green juice and something to eat. Wishing you a night of inspiring reflection and projection about the good things to come.

Love,

Tera

Get Back on Track After the Holidays

I arrived home last night after a wonderful trip out West to see my family. We played in the snow, sang songs and made memories with loved ones. I’ll have a lot more pictures uploaded to my Facebook page soon, but will sprinkle a sampling here for fun. While I could ramble on about the festivities and gifts, I’d much rather get to talking immediately about the food, cuz that’s just what I do best.

I was most certainly well-intentioned at the outset. I packed my enema bag, my juicer and my green jugs all the way to Alberta. My vision had been a juice fast lasting 10 days. I thought I’d be able to hold up against the cauliflower casseroles and butter tarts. I hoped I’d be able to muster up the discipline to make 6 liters of juice a day and just sip my way to bliss over Christmas and into the new year…

…but, I had an arm-wrestling match with mashed potatoes and the mashed potatoes won. Once the mashed potato ban had been lifted, it was open-season finger dipping for this diva. Though I did manage to steer clear of the butter tarts in the end, I’m home now and nursing a running nose.

Action. Reaction. Guess I had it coming to me.;-)

I’m grateful that my body informs me, in no uncertain terms, that there are new limits to what I can do. I simply can’t pack back potato chips without expecting consequences. I watch in awe as my family ploughs through piles of steamy veggies, gobbles up all manner of cooked critters and creamy sauces. They appear to bounce right back up from the table looking perky. They appear to be just fine with their food choices. I have genuine respect and admiration for people like MAC who could probably eat a tin can and eliminate it perfectly and painlessly the next morning.

I don’t think it’s every woman’s lot in life to be food obsessed, but it most certainly has been mine. The only thing that released me from the clutches of constant food chatter in my mind was transitioning to a diet of simple, fresh, raw foods. Now it’s in my best interests to be somewhat food obsessed, since I make my living helping others get on the healthy bandwagon, too.

It’s been nearly 7 years that I’ve been on a “raw food diet.” I’ve tried low fat, high fat, dehydrated, sprouted and purréed foods. I’ve met some incredibly fascinating people and encountered powerful ideas about what makes the body well. I’ve seen some pretty healthy looking meat-eaters and some awfully overweight raw vegans, too. I know there’s a powerful and inspiring message about compassionate and responsible living out there, but I’ve often seen vegans display little compassion for their fellow humans.  I admit that some animals I’ve observed were rather careless and unkind about their interaction with humans, too. I don’t believe in ultimatums or that there is a “right way” to eat. I think truth is relative to one’s point of view.

It’s easy to be seduced by the slim figures and clear complexions of raw vegans who make it all look so blissful and natural and easy, but I’ve borne witness to enough teary-eyed emails by now to know that there are a lot of people who struggle to implement healthier habits. Some are trapped in unhealthy bodies and they want out, but lack the support, the stamina, the mojo, the self-confidence and motivation to make it happen. There are others who simply choose to live with a bit of balance and appreciate the steamier side of eating.

Maybe for some people it is easy, but I’ve devoted what I do to supporting the passionate health-seekers who, in spite of good intention and determination, still stumble, fall and binge on baguette instead of making themselves another green juice.

The potato-wrestling women like myself out there are everywhere. I was surprised and delighted to discover that even in small town Southern Alberta, (population 3,000) someone recognized me in a grocery store from my site. (Love to you, Heather!)  Even while cross-country skiing in the middle of a practically isolated National Park, with about 10 other people in the whole place, another diva recognized me from my website as I was whipping by on cross-country skis. (Smoooches to you, Kathryn!)

What I understand the more I encounter inspiring people like Heather and Kathryn, is that I don’t want to teach women how to eat more raw food, and I most certainly don’t want to teach them how to be a “raw foodist”. I want to teach women to love themselves enough to listen to their bodies, choose the foods that support them, and the foods that make sense ethically, economically, and anatomically. I’d love to create an army of women who are equipped with the confidence and support they need to embrace an attitude of acceptance and gratitude the next time mashed potatoes win another arm-wrestling match.

There are only three days left until 2010. THIS is the time to take inventory on your success and review all that’s happened in the last year. It’s time for you to create targets, new objectives, rhythms and goals for the coming year. It’s been a tradition the last couple years to offer a special gift to our community on New Year’s Day. It’s a beautiful little Dream workbook that helps you map your targets for the coming year in different areas of your life. This year, you’re not getting your present.

I decided that rather than just pass along another download you may or may not take the time to read, I’ll be walking you through the process here over the next few days. Let’s do it together. The spirit of community will inspire us to make it happen. We’ll take baby steps over a few weeks, instead of feel overwhelmed by an ebook we’ll never get around to printing off.

Since many of us are gearing up for the 6-Week Detox that starts in early January, the timing is PERFECT. If you’d like to join me in this adventure, all you have to do for now, is check back HERE on the blog again tomorrow. If you’re signed up to Health in High Heels or our 7-Day Diva Detox, you’ll automatically receive a little love note when I post something new.

As far as food and eating goes, I’ll be setting out some proposed guidelines and suggestions tomorrow. For now, focus on the GREEN stuff and getting lots of it. They say it takes 21 days to form a new habit, so starting officially on January 1st until January 21st, I’ll be keeping things hopping around here and certainly do appreciate your love, support and participation.

2010 is going to be an incredible year. I can feel it. Let’s spend some time together painting beautiful pictures we can all walk into…

Yours against the mighty mashed potato and beyond,

Tera

P.S.

Oooh. I almost forgot. Our boxing day sale ends at midnight on December 31st. Coupon code: RAWMOM30 at the checkout and save 30% on most of our e-books at www.rawmom.com. Looking to get back on track for the long haul, you can still get a 20% discount if you sign up for the 6-Week Detox before 2010 strikes! Coupon Code: 6WDMOONSALE at the checkout.

P.P.S.

Our Clutter Free Diva program will remain at 50% off until the end of our 21-day challenge! You’ve got 23 days to save up and clear out your clutter!!

Kate’s Christmas Cure-All!

- by Kate Nicholson

Well, I managed to negotiate Christmas fairly successfully. Not 100% raw, but high raw and vegan. No sugar or alcohol (don’t need either to have a fun time anymore!). I offered round Doll’s delicious ‘cocoa surprises’ from her ‘Twelve Days of Christmas’ cookie recipes after dinner. (Thank you so much for those, Doll!). Much dubiousness initially from all of the non-raw brigade (especially the men), which changed to exclamations of delight after a bite! They polished off the lot. Ha!

Next day, when everyone emerged at breakfast time slightly hung-over and groaning at all the rich food they’d consumed, I offered green smoothies all round. Amazingly, they all (from the 93-year old down to the 8-year old) agreed to try them.

The concoction I whizzed up was designed to be cleansing, refreshing, and energising.

Greenberry Delight!

Serves One. Increase amounts according to numbers.

• 1 generous cup frozen strawberries
• 1 large banana
• 3/4 cup parsley
• ½ cup kale (stripped from stem)
• splash of Agave
• 1 heaped tsp spirulina

 The frozen strawberries give a delicious juicy coolness; they’re packed with vitamin C and potent antioxidants such as the anthocyanins which give them their rich red colour and which help to protect cell structures and prevent oxygen damage in the body. They are also anti-inflammatory (excellent for my sugar eating folks) and protective against certain cancers.

Good old bananas provide a great source of energy which got my flagging family off the sofa and out into the countryside for a good long walk. (Not the 93-year old. My smoothies aren’t quite that magical!). They also provide the mood boosting amino acid tryptophan and have a natural antacid effect on the stomach to counteract the acidity caused by a glut of rich foods. Their high levels of potassium are beneficial for lowering raised blood-pressure, while their generous levels of B vitamins improve nerve function.

Parsley contains volatile oils which have been shown to inhibit tumour formation in animal studies and is a rich source of vitamin C and vitamin A. It is high in antioxidants and is considered an effective blood cleanser, dissolving sticky deposits in the veins and maintaining the elasticity of the blood vessels. Parsley is also excellent for cleansing the breath! (Good for my cigarette smoking brother-in-law).

Kale, a member of the brassica family, is another cancer preventative due to its sulphur-containing phyto-nutrients, such as sulforaphane, which boosts the body’s detoxification enzymes. Sulforaphane is formed when cruciferous vegetables such as kale are chopped, chewed, or blended. Kale is also well known for its carotenoids which protect the eyes from developing cataracts. In addition to its many other benefits, Kale provides a good dose of calcium.

Agave, although not raw, is a useful natural sweetener for its low impact on blood sugar and the saponins it contains which have anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.

The fresh water algae Spirulina is an excellent source of chlorophyll (anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and wound-healing, it helps in growth and repair of tissues and neutralises free-radicals. It is also destroyed by cooking, so keep drinking those greens!).

Well, my family have all vowed to eat more raw food and try to get green smoothies into their diets on a regular basis. I intend to make sure this is one New Year resolution they all stick to!

Moments in Thyme . . . Who Took the Safe out of Safekeeping?

By Joyce Wiatroski

I’ve come to the conclusion that once one reaches a certain age there is no such thing as putting something away for safekeeping.

For several years now, things I’ve put away for safekeeping have become so safe they’re never seen again. Have you any idea the time lost searching? The utter frustration?

The taxing turmoil of turning the place upside down? Not to mention the discouraging defeat of facing the consequences of losing an item.

I’ve gained a new respect for those folks who just pile things up on the kitchen counter, the dining room table, or the bedroom dresser. At least there is a good chance of finding what you’re looking for. Just dig through the piles.

Woe to the neatnik who compulsively picks up! And do I ever learn? Well, not so far.

I was gifted early in December with a copy of O Magazine — the one with Ellen on the cover? It’s a neat issue and it might have actually paid for itself if I hadn’t been so anal.

In that issue, Hallmark ran an ad with a $5 off coupon for greeting cards with an expiration date of 12/24/09. Wow, what a deal! I carefully tore the little coupon along the perforations and, I know — you can see this coming, right? I put the coupon away for safekeeping!

I hunted high and low — so sure I would have put it in my purse to have handy when out shopping. But no, it wasn’t there, even though I looked multiple times! As if the more I looked in the same places, the better chance I’d have of finding it. After all, how many places would I have put a little coupon?

December 24th came and went and today, December 26th, as I swished dust from one surface to the next, I found a little stack of “items of interest” tucked away in the bookcase. Stuff we should toss when it comes in the mail, but that holds just a modicum of interest encouraging us to put it aside to look at later. Though later rarely comes.

There sat the $5 Hallmark coupon—in the place of honor—top of the stack! Completely worthless. Yet, even with its value now void, finding it offered a small bit of comfort and consolation.

Is this just another manifestation of old age, brain cells dying off producing more memory loss? Will a supplement help? More green juices? Or perhaps I should attempt to change my anal ways before my expiration date arrives?

I’ll try to come to grips with the realization that things are only things. And I’ll tell
myself it’s okay to leave some things out on the counter in plain sight. A place guaranteed to provide safekeeping! And you know what? Even if we do forget some things as we age, and misplace others, overall we’ll continue to manifest . . .

Like fine wine, women grow better with thyme.

Joyce Wiatroski is the wit and wisdom found on the foodiefumblings blog.

Happy Holidays!!

Welcome back green smoothie goers!  We hope you had a splendid holiday with friends and loved ones.  As you get ready to celebrate the New Year, we’d like to share a very special poem from one of our green smoothie program participants!

A Thank You From Mrs. Claus

- by Rena Reason

T’was Christmas day and the North Pole was humming
With laughter and song and dancing and drumming,
The elves were gleefully at play in the snow,
And the reindeer were frolicking to and fro.

Since Santa had traveled the world far and wide,
He settled in his rocker, a bit sleepy eyed,
But thanks to Green Smoothie Queen, I hurried to the kitchen,
Got out my blender and knew what to mix in,
Then handed Santa a green jug and said “Sip on this!
It’s full of flavor, nutrition, and bliss!”

Said Santa, “It’s sweet like candy cane, and as green as a Christmas tree!
It’s bliss to my lips, yummy to my tummy, and gives me great energy!
This beverage gives such leverage, Ho, Ho, Ho, I feel so alive!
I could sing out Christmas jingles and dance the Jive!”

These groovy Green Smoothies are quite a sensation,
Let’s get the word out all over the nation,
Milk and baked cookies are things of the past,
Green Smoothies are the real elixir at last!

Thank you your Majesty, Green Smoothie Queen,
for showing me how to blend fruits and greens!
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good year,
Let’s drink to our Health with Green Smoothies and Cheers!