Interview with Tonya Zavasta: Beauty through Raw

This post isn’t about our children per se, but I have found what is good for Mom, IS good for child.  We moms do everything for everyone, often running ourselves ragged!  Of course this seems necessary when we have small children and EVERY MOMENT is an event practically- we barely have time to use the bathroom.  But a time must come when we women bring more balance into our life, and reclaim our womanhood.  We will still be moms, but we must be women first.  I am talking about being ‘self-centered’ or centering-in-self.  This isn’t selfish, it is smart.  Because we simply cannot give what we do not have.  How can we be soft, patient, receptive when we are with our children if we are running on empty?  As women, our emotional and spiritual gifts run deep, but WE must replenish that well from time to time.  Our beauty is just one component of our wholeness.

I met Tonya when she gave a talk in Toronto last year.  What really struck me besides her dynamic presentation (she is a force of nature!) is her TRANSLUCENT, LUMINESCENT BEAUTIFUL SKIN.  She absolutely GLOWS.  Her hair looked strong and silky.  She is a radiant being- THAT says health to me. What I love about TONYA ZAVASTA, is she is a mother, she is 100% raw, and she understands a woman’s needs to feel beautiful.  This ISN’T about vanity.  It’s more about real, true HEALTH, and well-being.  We just FEEL better when we look our best!  Tonya’s diet seems intense, but she backs everything up scientifically in her book QUANTUM EATING.  She does not eat after 2pm.  Wow!  I am still struggling with not eating past 10pm!  She has another book called  RAWSOME FLEX which teaches facial exercises.  I have been doing it and will post BEFORE and AFTER pics soon!  In the meantime, let’s enjoy Tonya’s expert advice.

Tonya Zavasta is a raw food expert, speaker and the author of 4 books on the 100% raw food lifestyle. With a math/science background, Tonya’s comfort zone reaches from quantum physics to cellular metabolism to the salad bowl.  Confronted with the necessity of extensive hip surgeries to enable her to walk normally, Tonya sought a lifestyle that would support her recovery and offset the ravages of multiple operations.

Her tireless research led her to the beautifying powers of raw foods and since the age of 39 Tonya has been following a 100% raw food lifestyle. Twelve years later, she is walking testimony to the power of the raw foods to bring out the natural beauty within all of us. Her books, Your Right to Be Beautiful and Beautiful On Raw are about how to radically improve your life, health and appearance through the raw food lifestyle. Her latest book Quantum Eating: The Ultimate Elixir of Youth is an exploration of the most advanced anti-aging practices.

Now in her 50′s she radiates health in every sense of the word, and teaches “raw eating” all across the world.

TONYA, you are a Mom, wife, author, businesswoman, so you understand how busy moms are today.  What is your biggest tip for moms who wish to become more rawesomely beautiful, but have very little spare time?

“Do not eat at night!” Not only will this save you time and energy, but it is one of the most effective things you can do to deter aging, detoxify the body at a deeper level, and wake up feeling terrific; ready to meet the challenges of the day. Your body performs different functions while you sleep, of course, than when you are awake, and you are healthiest when you live in harmony with these rhythms. You should try to eat closer to between the hours of 7-3, approximately, and stop eating about 6 hours before going to sleep, whether you eat an all raw diet or not. This cannot be done all at once, but is a very worthwhile goal to gradually strive for. I call this Quantum Eating and I have practiced it for years, consuming my second and last meal at about 2pm each day.

How long have you been raw and are you 100%?

I have been eating 100% raw since 1997. Before that I had moved from vegetarian to vegan in my attempts to find the best possible diet for health and beauty. Hate cooking? I do too. What if I promise you that you do not have to cook ever again?

It is a well-known fact that the less food has been processed, the more sound it is nutritionally. So why process at all? Why not trust the Creator of human life with food as well? Why not recognize the laws of nature instead of looking for a way to go against them? To process food is an arrogant notion – we seem to be saying that God’s menu needs improvement.

Human beings cannot create life and yet we assume that we can manufacture better foodstuffs. The only food fit for human beings is raw plant food from God’s table such as fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds. But we replace this ample and nutritious diet with the cook’s concoctions.

By cooking our food we are killing nutrients that keep us alive and healthy. Cooking removes the goodness of food. Fresh fruits and vegetables have a life force that is carried by enzymes, the biochemical catalysts that constitute the difference between life and death.

Nature’s plan calls for food to deliver its own enzymes to assist the body with its digestion. But enzymes are killed when temperature rises above 118° Fahrenheit. Cooked food depletes the body’s own enzyme reserve and curtails its rejuvenating power that has to keep you healthy, youthful and beautiful.

How fast would a woman notice changes in her appearance if she followed your advice?

Within the first two weeks. Of course, it all depends on where you are starting from. The key is consistency. When you start with one thing, and gradually add others, as long as you maintain the progress you have made, you will begin to see startling changes rather quickly. When you combine the raw foods diet with a consistent beauty regimen, the results will be even more dramatic!

Can you share a favorite beauty secret of yours with our readers today?

Dry brushing of your skin! Exfoliation is the most important element in all skin care. It literally ‘unglues’ the dead skin cells and removes them, revealing the fresh new cells underneath. It helps with everything: acne, dry skin, even aging skin. It increases circulation and gives your skin a silky, rosy glow.

You need a different brush for your face than you use on your body, and I offer these on my website. This is something you can do in the free time you now have in the evening while you are not eating!

Please share a favorite recipe with our moms!

My RUSSIAN BORSCHT!

Step 1:

JUICE enough tomatoes to make 1 1/2 C TOMATO JUICE, plus 1 C CARROT JUICE, ½ C CUCUMBER JUICE, ½ C CELERY JUICE, ½ C LEMON JUICE

Step 2:

Pour the juices in a bowl and add 1 C shredded beet 1 C minced red pepper, 1 med cucumber chopped, 3 scallions minced, 1 large avocado cubed, 2 tomatoes diced, ¼ c parsley chopped, dash of cumin and salt and cayenne pepper to taste- ENJOY!

Any last words to our moms?

Be a RAWSOME mom! You’ll be glad you did, and your kids will, too. The momentum you build now, as a new mom or the mother of younger children, will carry you to and through the years when your children are grown. You’ll be setting a great example for them to follow, even if they don’t choose to be 100% raw.

Choosing a raw foods lifestyle now, you’re giving your children of any age a precious gift-a vibrant, beautiful mom who can truly be there for them.

Whatever challenges you face, whatever adjustments you have to make, once you have the basics down, you’ll always know what to come back to as your core way of life. Should your children decide to follow a healthy raw lifestyle when they’re older, they’ll be light years ahead. A sensible raw foods lifestyle is truly a lasting legacy to pass on to the next generation

Antioxidant Green Smoothie (Dinosaur Kale, Blueberries, Red Grapes and Medjool Dates)

This smoothie is a powerhouse of antioxidants that are thought to help protect the body against the damaging effects of free radicals and the chronic diseases associated with the aging process. *

Antioxidants are present in foods as vitamins, minerals, carotenoids, and polyphenols, among others. Many antioxidants are often identified in food by their distinctive colors—the deep red of cherries and of tomatoes; the orange of carrots; the yellow of corn, mangos, and saffron; and the blue-purple of blueberries, blackberries, and grapes.

The most well-known components of food with antioxidant activities are vitamins A, C, and E; beta carotene; the mineral selenium; and more recently, the compound lycopene.

Antioxidant Green Smoothie Recipe

• One handful dinosaur kale
• ½ cup blueberries
• 1 cup red grapes (seeded are best)
• 2 or 3 medjool dates
• 1 cup water (optional)

Blend and enjoy!

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do.
Tracy

**Information provided by http://www.ific.org/publications/factsheets/antioxidantfs.cfm

We Have a Raw Diva Theme Song!!

I have tears welling up in my eyes and my cheeks hurt from smiling. It doesn’t matter how grey a day gets, around here the overflowing bounty of sisterhood vibes keeps me uplifted, on fire and bubbling over with gratitude for the amazing women in my life.

One of those amazing women is Stacey Terry, who is “Bringing Health to Heartland of North America” in Winnipeg, Manitoba! She’s come onboard as a representative of Ecopolitan in Winnipeg, and you can read her very inspiring story here! Besides being a great writer and inspiring teacher, she’s a musician! And it was during a recent phone call that she let me in on some of her artistic abilities. That’s when we thought of coming up with a song–A Raw Diva Theme Song.

Well, I didn’t know she’s come up with something this fast and this fun, but here it is!

Stacey, thank you sooo much for the love, enthusiasm and inspiration you bring to us! It really is a gift having you in this community and I look forward to many more magical, musical, inspirational adventures together.

With gratitude,

Tera and Raw Divas everywhere!

Livin’ Diva
by Stacey Terry

Come a little closer, little to my lips
Tap those little toes and start to sway those hips
Yeah, that’s the way to move
And start to feelin’ fine
Now if you’ve got a sparkle let it shine.
Wouldn’t it be dandy if this feelin’ stayed
And you could live each day with new zeal?
Well sista, yes you can
If you ditch your pots and pans
And change the way you think about your meals

I’m an achieva
A change believa
I’m a gorgeous walkin’ talkin’ raw diva
I said now no more blues
From those cooked menus
Goodbye, farewell, so long, adieu, and seeya
Give me rainbows and greens, bananas, broccolis, and beans
I’m gonna give you back a smile that shines
I found the truth to love, beauty, and youth
Livin’ diva is so divine!

Now ovens don’t give lovin’ like a smoothie can
Fryin’ leaves you cryin’ nine times out of ten
But blendin’ helps with mendin’ all those cooked food woes
And soon you’ll have that bright raw diva glow
You’re gonna feel the best you’ve ever felt before
You’ll dance and laugh and sing all through the night
So drink it if it’s green, and you’ll see what I mean
You’re gonna see the livin’ diva light!

You’re an achieva
A change believa
You’re a gorgeous walkin’ talkin’ raw diva
You said now no more blues
From those cooked menus
Goodbye, farewell, so long, adieu, and seeya
Give me rainbows and greens, bananas, broccolis, and beans
I’m gonna give you back a smile that shines
You found the truth to love, beauty, and youth
Livin’ diva is so divine

We found the truth to love, beauty, and youth
Livin’ diva is so divine

Meet one of our READERS…

Lately I’ve had the pleasure of getting  to know a reader, and I really wanted to give her the opportunity to share her experiences…

Katie Mae is my name, and I am the mama to a young girl named Radley.
Together we are tough, feminine, passionate Scorpios, connected to
each other and to the earth we are made of. She prefers going up and
down inclines, sitting on dogs, and pushing things. I prefer long
quiet walks, journal writing, and hand stitching. We both enjoy eating
apples and bananas.

I was never much of a cook, so going raw has been such a relief! My
philosophy during this transition is to be practical and gentle. So
far our favorites are green smoothies, flax crackers, raw hummus, and
salads with sprouts. There is so much to learn and so many new foods
to try, I am determined not to get overwhelmed and am comforted by
simple-sweet carrots. Our greatest challenge has been dad buying corn
chips and cheese slices, but even he gets down with my kale smoothies!

Raw food is just one ingredient in my recipe towards happiness, peace,
and enlightenment. I am an artist, a dreamer, a reader, and a critical
thinker. Instead of being satisfied with my right handedness I am
teaching my left hand to print and sew. I am learning how to open my
body and release old tension. Someday I will remove television from my living room and really really live there. Radley teaches me everyday how to be patient and to act in the name of love. Love life, this curious, amazing, rhythmic moment.

Bare Bottomed Baby by Katie Mae

My daughter is 14 months old and diaper-free!

Our method is very simple: when my daughter needs to eliminate, I am there to assist her so that she does not have to soil herself. Sometimes she likes the big toilet, and other times a small potty. Usually she enjoys squatting outside because she prefers to do everything outside. At night and in the mornings I hold her over a small bowl held between my legs. There are many ways that I can tell she has to go. We use timing, hand signals, a little language, and intuition. For example, she will always produce the goods upon waking (most babes do). Then, if she hasn’t already told me by patting herself or walking to the bathroom, I’ll check the time. Usually it’s about forty five minutes between each pee.  Sometimes I’ll just sense it. All day, everyday, we do this potty dance, and it is as routine as eating or napping.

Elimination Communication (EC), is the formal name for infant pottying. There is a lot of literature on the web and in books that cover this topic in detail. Many families are finding that it compliments other facets of natural parenting like co-sleeping, breastfeeding, and babywearing. That is why I want to share my knowledge with all the raw moms out there! EC is economical, ecologically sensitive, and empowering! My family has saved hundreds of dollars on diapers, buying only a small quantity of cloth that we still use as rags. Do you know how many tons of diapers (along with the waste inside of them) are dumped in our landfills? Using this method greatly reduces the amount of waste your family will toss in the dumpster. Most of all, I love infant pottying because I am encouraging my daughter to be engaged with and aware of her body. We talk about pee and poop without shame. She understands the sensations associated with her need to eliminate and can act on them. It is truly amazing to see her sit on her little potty and pee-all on her own.

If you find any of my story interesting I encourage you to give EC a try. Start upon waking or after nap time. Hold your babe over some type of container and make a sound that your little one will associate with eliminating. “Psssst” or “SSsss” are common “cues” but you can choose any simple sound that comes to you. Try letting your tot go diaper free for a while, and communicate with them when they have gone. Try not to get discouraged, and always stay positive. Remember this is not traditional toilet training, but a practice of communication.

I read Christine Gross-Loh’s Diaper-Free Baby while I was pregnant. This book takes on a very practical, non-threatening approach to EC. Check out diaperfreebaby.org for links, gear, literature and support. There are many blogs, youtube videos, and web groups that also discuss infant pottying. Do some research, catch some pees, and most of all: have fun!

Thank you Katie Mae, that was so wonderful!  YOU are so wonderful! Xo Shannon

Winter-Kissed Cheeks And A Message to Mothers

If it had been up to me alone, I would have stayed home snuggled under the heat of my laptop getting things done. But Saturday is their day and so I was somewhat reluctantly dragged to the outdoor skating arena in the parc near our house by Mika and Sebastian the other night.

Sebastian triumphantly brought his hockey stick, a chewed up puck and some hockey gloves. My brother (who recently moved to Montreal) has been indoctrinating him about our beloved Canadian sport. He’s learned which jerseys to cheer for and which ones “suck” (my brother’s words). I’m not sure what was more satisfying for him–the skating itself or the pleasure of walking past the big boys all decked out in his gear.

It was so cold we didn’t have to compete with long-haired Quebecois men in sweatpants and hockey jerseys. We had the rink to ourselves and we liked it!

Mika was blissed out on the invention of new artistic skating moves. (Careful not to imagine anything too graceful, here, please.) She would beg me to watch her choreographed routines and announce the names of her movements while interjecting “without that fall” every time she’d tumble.

It was cold, the kind of cold that bites and burns, but we didn’t notice until 2 hours had passed. The winter world was ours, because barely anyone else was brave (or crazy ?) enough to play when it was that cold.

This morning I checked the temperature–a balmy -23 Celcius before wind chill. I slipped on a layer of polypropylene, I slipped on my baby blue running hoodie, a fuzzy layer and a wind breaker. Then my winter running pants and out I went for an hour long run. It was fabulous.

I used to complain about the cold, but they say what you resist, persists. Let’s be honest, complaining has never served anyone. If it wasn’t for my brave companions in life, I’m sure I’d miss out on a lot more living and adventure. They remind me not to get so stuck in to do lists and responsibilities that I forget to LIVE. They keep my sleeves rolled up and allow me to stop, once in a while, and soak up the sweetness of life for the sake of sweetness alone.

This poem used to be on my mother’s fridge, while I grew up. It stuck somewhere in the recesses of my mind–anchored, etched and never to be forgotten. Who would have thought that by sticking it there, she assured the well-being of her children’s children. It’s a poem that when I realize it or not, guides the choices I make about how I spend my time.

I wouldn’t invite the queen to wipe a white glove along the back of my piano this week, but I’ve had a blast and oooze the kind of affinity a mother feels when she’s basked in the sweet smells and giggles of her children for a couple days.

Here hoping this etches itself somewhere in your world, Sunshine. If you don’t mind me suggesting, it’s worth printing out and posting on your fridge.

To My Grown-Up Son or Daughter

My hands were busy through the day.
I didn’t have much time to play
The little games you asked me to
I didn’t have much time for you

I’d wash your clothes ; I ‘d sew and cook
But when you’d bring your picture book
And ask me, please to share your fun
I’d say ,” A little later, Hon”

I’d tuck you in all safe at night,
And hear your prayers , turnout the light,
Then tiptoe softly to the door,
I wish I’d stayed a minute more.

For life is short and years rush fast,
A little child grows up so fast,
No longer he is at our side,
With precious secrets to confide.

The picture books are put away,
There are no children’s games to play ,
No goodnight kiss , no prayers to hear,
That all belongs to yesteryear.

My hands once busy, now are still
The days are long and hard to fill,
I wish I might go back and do,
The little things you asked me to.

-by Alice E. Chase.

Good one, isn’t it!

Love and frosty kisses,

Tera

Everything's Coming Up Veggies

Hello there! How ARE you? It’s Jo here, back in the world of Raw Momalicious blogging after a tiny (five-week! Yikes!) break.

However, it’s not like I’ve just been swanning around enjoying our gorgeous Australian summer (apologies to those of you in the northern hemisphere) – I spent my blogging sabbatical immersing myself in the writing of my latest recipe book, which was submitted to the publisher last week.

Mind you, as part of my ethos of looking after myself, during that time I made sure I enjoyed a few lazy picnics with my girls, a few family outings, and a couple of massages. And the family sure enjoyed the recipe testing process. Or so they tell me… It was handy having Darren home on holidays for a good portion of that time, so that I could focus completely on the writing and testing.

Since submitting the book, I’ve finally taken a huge, deep breath, and have been winding down to a very comfortable level of holiday slothdom. Well, as much as my occasionally neurotic tendencies towards new-year house de-cluttering will allow. The girls and I have been “hanging out”, playing board games, enjoying even more picnics (sometimes indoor, given our crazy Melbourne weather), reading book after book, and lovingly tending to our flourishing garden.

You may remember that I wrote, back in October, about the start of our edible gardening adventures? If not, check it out here. We’re now reaping the handsome rewards of our hard work. Here are some luscious, sweet, crunchy, young green beans I picked just this morning. Divine!

Being able to pick our own vegies has been such a thrill. It’s also wonderful taking a shorter shopping list on our run to the shops, knowing that so many edibles are just waiting to be plucked from our vegie patch.

As part of my welcoming in of the new year, I’ve been following the latest edition of the Raw Divas’ Body Enlightenment System. A couple of days ago, I made the Green Goddess Soup for lunch (avocado, zucchini, chard/silverbeet, kale, cilantro/coriander, lime/lemon and salt), and sashayed out into our garden to pick some chard and zucchini for using in the soup. Back in the kitchen, I laid the glowing green veggies on the chopping board and realized that they were still warm from the sun. How beautiful is that? (Don’t you also love the contrast between the green of the soup and the red of the sun-dried tomatoes? Maybe I’m hanging on to Christmas.)

We’ve now had to buy a second compost bin, with the first one heating up nicely and creating some rich “gold” for our soil. In fact, the first compost bin is doing so well that this little tomato decided to grow from a seed that must have been somewhere in the bin. He’s managed to poke his head through an airhole and proudly push his way out to greet the sun. Isn’t compost amazing stuff?

Dear reader, if I have one new year’s wish for you, it’s to get your hands dirty. Take your children out into the garden and dig a wee garden bed, or rustle up some pots. If you’re in the northern hemisphere, start planning now for your spring and summer harvests. If you’re a novice gardener, start with herb seedlings like basil or mint, and perhaps try some “cut-and-come-again” lettuce seeds. Give your munchkins a pot or little garden patch of their own, and show them how to create life. They – and you – will love it!

See you next week!

Vital Vittle of the Week: Sea Veggies

The Vital Vittle

By Maureen Lauder

Food of the Week:  Sea Vegetables

Seaweeds like nori, dulse, and kelp provide some of the most varied mineral content of any food.  Most of the minerals found in the ocean end up one way or another in sea vegetables, and the mixture of vitamins and minerals in seaweed closely resembles that of the human body.  Sea vegetables are also incredibly nutrient dense, which means that a little goes a long way.

Types of Sea Vegetables

There are lots and lots, of course, but here are some of the most common:

Dulse:  Dulse is a red seaweed with a chewy texture.  It’s low in sodium but has a salty taste that makes it good for seasoning.  Dulse can be purchased in whole-leaf or flake form or in granules for seasoning.

Hijiki: Hijiki is round, noodle-like sea vegetable that can be used in salads.  It is usually sold dried and then reconstituted for use.  Watch out though – its volume expands quite a lot as it rehydrates.

Kelp:  Kelp ranges from light brown to dark green in color. Raw kelps is chewy and salty and acts as a natural flavor enhancer.

Nori:  Perhaps the best known sea vegetable, nori sheets widely used in sushi rolls in Japanese restaurants.  Nori can also be purchased in flake form and used as a seasoning or garnish.  Nori sheets are often toasted; raw nori is darker green and somewhat chewier.

Wakame: Wakame is a dark green sea vegetable with long leaves.   Wakame is often imported to North America from Asian countries; a similar seaweed, called alaria, grows naturally off the Atlantic coast of the northern US and Canada.  Wakame is commonly used in salads and in miso soup.

Why It’s Good for You

Nutritional content will vary somewhat depending on the variety of sea vegetable, of course, but they all have a few things in common:

• Lots and lots of iodine, vitamin K, folate, and magnesium – plus iron and calcium.
• Like flaxseed, sea vegetables are a good lignans, which helps prevent fast-growing tumors from metastasizing.
• Sea vegetables promote healthy thyroid function. The thyroid, which regulates your body’s metabolic processes, depends on iodine to function.
• The folic acid in sea vegetables helps reduce the incidence of some birth defects.
• The magnesium in sea vegetables may help reduce the severity of migraine, asthma, and menopause symptoms.
• Plus, magnesium and folic acid help prevent cardiovascular disease.

Get Yer Sea Veggies In!

Because they’re so nutrient dense, you don’t need to eat a lot of sea vegetables to get the benefits.

• Kelp and dulse are both sold in shakers and can be added to almost any dish as a seasoning or as a salt substitute.
• Dulse, kelp, and nori flakes, as well as wakame leaves, can be added to salads for a little extra zing.
• And nori sheets make for a great wrap! Sweet ingredients like apples, pears, lettuce, avocado and honey can be rolled in nori sheets for a dessert-like treat.
• Or make “sushi” rolls: Spread a thin layer of finely chopped cauliflower or your favorite raw pâté on a nori sheet. Add a row of veggies– tomatoes, peppers, and spinach, perhaps-down the middle and then roll the nori into a tight tube. Eat in one piece as a wrap or slice into chunks and share.

And if you’re feeling more ambitious (Cucumber Sea Vegetable Salad, anyone?), check out the raw seaweed recipes on the Maine Coast Sea Vegetables website.

Interview with Kate Magic of "Raw Living"

By Shannon Leone

Kate is the most experienced raw food promoter in the UK. She has sixteen years of experience of raw eating, and is raising a family of three boys on a predominantly raw diet. She is the author of ‘Eat Smart, Eat Raw’, the UK’s best selling raw food recipe book; and ‘Raw Living’, a recipe book and guide to the raw lifestyle. Her third book, ‘Raw Magic’, a ground-breaking book of superfood recipes, another UK first, was published by Rawcreation in 2008, and is receiving rave reviews. She is a Managing Director of the Raw Living website which offers advice and information on the raw diet, as well as an online shop, and she is the proud parent of the Raw Living range of chocolate bars and cakes. She was the editor of Get Fresh magazine, the world’s most popular raw food magazine, for three years. She currently divides her time between being with her children, private consultations, public speaking, and working on her next books “Ecstatic Beings” (co-authored with Shazzie) and “88 – the Untold Story of a Revolution” (about the original London acid house scene).

Kate has been featured in most of the UK’s national press including The Independent, The Guardian, The Sunday Times, The Daily Express, Metro, Vogue, Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, Red, Zest , Closer, Reveal, The Green Parent, Lifescape, Juno, Get Fresh, and Funky Raw. She has made a number of national media appearances including BBC TV and radio, ITV, Channel 4, Passion for the Planet digital radio, and Radio Reverb. She has spoken at numerous festivals and events around the country, primarily on raw foods but also on superfoods and on natural parenting.

Kate is driven by a passionate desire for change in this world. Everything she does is fuelled by her vision of humanity living together in peace and unity, and restoring our mother earth to a garden paradise. She believes raw foods and superfoods to be an important tool to unlocking our inner potential and empowering ourselves as individuals to create the revolution that is so urgently needed at this time.

I personally enjoy her sense of FUN!  I actually painted a portrait of her  and the astonishing thing was that I LATER discovered she had dyed her hair the same fuscia pink like in my painting, though neither one of us was aware of this synchronicity!  But mostly, what I really admire in Kate is her connectedness to her self, and to her kids.  She makes up her own rules, which probably means no rules- just tuning-in to herself, and her kids. What a great living lesson for her children. Teaching by example isn’t the best way to teach your kids…It’s the ONLY way!

Tell us about your first experience of hearing about raw.  Who inspired you?  How raw are you, and how do you maintain it (ESPECIALLY with kids)?

I was a vegan eating a lot of fruit and salads, and a friend said to me, “You’re like a raw fooder.”  So I found out what a raw fooder was, and it all made sense to me!  I think the first book I read was Viktoras Kulvinskas Survival into the 21^st century, and then Leslie Kenton’s Raw Energy.  This was in 1993, so there wasn’t the Internet to look everything up on.  There weren’t David Wolfe lectures to download.  There weren’t classy raw restaurants to visit.  It was very hard finding things out.  There wasn’t even Amazon to order books off!  So really, for me it was all about listening to my body’s wisdom, I didn’t have any role models, it was about learning to trust the voice within.

I don’t like to say I am 100 % raw.  Nature doesn’t like perfection, there are no straight lines in nature, you have to have the yin & the yang!  So I am 99 % raw.  I never consciously eat cooked food, but I allow for real life to happen.  I never crave cooked foods now, have no desire for them at all, but it took many years to get to that point.

Would you share a few of your favorite recipes with us?

I can do better than that.  Here is a link to my website recipe archive where you will find dozens!

Why have you chosen to homeschool your kids?  How does it work?  Do you think the kids would ever choose to go to school in the future?  What about bedtime, do you have an evening ritual?  What do you think is so important for moms to know about kids?

Well I could write a book here!  I think homeschooling chose me!

We wake up naturally, and have cuddles and giggles.  We have breakfast,  get dressed, and do our tidying up and household chores together.  That can take all morning!  Any mother will tell you, everything takes twice as long with a child around.  And with three, it takes three or four times as long.  The mundane aspects of sleeping, shopping, preparing food and eating it, playing with friends, reading, walking along the beach, going for bike rides, swimming, keeping our space clean and tidy, drawing & writing cards to send to friends and family; laughing, cuddling, watching a little YouTube or Dr Who, asking questions about life, challenging the perceived boundaries, falling over, crying, and picking ourselves up again – all these things fill our days in a natural and fulfilling way.  How would we ever fit school in?

Having said that, Reuben is 11 now and he’s just gone back into a Steiner School.  He was in Steiner kindergarten when he was younger.  He’s loving it.  At 11, I did feel he’d got to a point where I couldn’t offer him enough stimulation, and he was ready for something else.  And I totally trust him to go out into the world making the right choices and being a good person, because we’ve had so much quality time together.  I value him as a person, and I know he values himself because of that.  He has a lot of self-awareness, he’s very in touch with his inner wisdom.

What tricks or tricks do you have for moms trying to get their kids to eat more raw foods?

Don’t give up!  It may take years to get them to eat greens, but don’t give up.  All of my boys have gone through fussy periods, but I’ve persisted and now they all eat an exemplary diet.

Bartering is my number one tip. They can have what they want if they eat what you want first e.g. if you eat your cucumber sticks, you can have some chips.  Just make sure they are eating more cucumber than chips and you’re winning!

Any advice for women trying to entice their men to go raw?

There’s a whole chapter on this subject in my book Raw Living.   Let him eat what he likes.  Just keep feeding him raw alongside whatever else he’s having.  Your food tastes much better, he’ll soon work it out for himself. And one day you’ll hear those famous last words, “I don’t want cooked food anymore” !!

Any raw beauty secrets?

Cold baths!  I love cold baths and showers.  I’ve been having cold showers everyday for 16 years, and cold baths once a week for about 8 years.  They are great for the skin and the circulation.  And the mind!

How much sleep do you get, and what hours do you keep?

I average about 6 hours a night.  I’m a night person, I don’t go to bed till after 2 am usually, and don’t get up before 8 am.  I like working at night, it’s better for me as a creative person because it’s quieter and I can tune in easier.

How much water do you drink daily?

2-3 litres.  Water is very important, I think.

What is a typical breakfast like for you?  Lunch?  Dinner?  Snack?

I’m really happy with my routine right now.  Breakfast is a litre of chia milk. I usually have a wheatgrass or aloe shot in the morning too.  Lunch happens about 2 or 3 pm.  It’s invariably very green, heavy on the seaweeds, and involves a spicy creamy dressing.  Next pit-stop is a nori roll crammed with alfalfa sprouts and a mayonnaise mixed with green powders like barleygrass and spirulina.  Evening meal is around a litre of green juice.  I drink lots of herbal teas that I make in the pot.  Snacks are usually raw chocolate or cake.  I eat tons of algae, tons of seaweeds, tons of flax and hemp, drink loads of liquids, and a little chocolate, and that sorts me out!

How late in the evening do you feel it is okay to eat?

I try not to eat after 8 pm, just liquids. We usually have dinner around 6 pm.

Who do you admire most (or who most inspires you) in the raw food movement today?

You!  All the mums who live it, day in, day out, despite sleepless nights and endless breastfeeding.  Not the gurus standing on stage getting their egos massaged, but all the women at home, who, in their own quiet and humble ways, are building solid foundations for the next generation.

Would you care to share anything about your spiritual practice?

I try to meditate every day, which in reality means about four or five times a week.  I do a 16 minute kundalini yoga meditation for loving yourself and the world at the same time.  I also do 11 rounds of sun salutations and a headstand.  I’ve been practicing yoga for 18 years; it’s as important a part of my life as raw foods.  I try and do a full session once or twice a week, either at home or at a local class.

What projects or interests are currently inspiring you?

I’ve just finished my fifth book, which is called “88 – the untold story of a revolution.”  It’s primarily about the acid house scene in London in 1988, but also about the power of dance music to change people’s lives.  It’s about trying to encapsulate the feeling of dancing at a party or in a club or in a field with people you love and feeling like everything is possible, and heaven on earth is real.  It’s about what you do with that feeling, how it changes you as a person, and how you try to translate it into everyday life.   Now I’m sharpening up my DJ skills, I’ve always done a little DJ-ing here and there, but I want to take it out more, get more professional work, not just friends’ parties and my living room!

Anything else you’d care to share, dear?

I believe this is a tremendously exciting time to be alive.  I believe if we look and listen with our hearts, we can see very clearly now the emerging new paradigm based on love, unity, peace, prosperity, abundance, hope, change, harmony, sustainability.  All we have to do is keep that vision clear, not fall prey to the fears and worries that easily beset us in these tumultuous times.  I’m bringing my children up for a world that is going to be unimaginably different from the one I grew up in.  Really, how could I know what to teach them, what skills they will need?  So all I can do is to empower them to be themselves, to teach them self-knowledge, self-awareness, and self-responsibility.  To trust that they have all the answers they need inside of themselves.  Or in their words, to become Jedi Knights!!

(My kids want to be Jedi Knights too!  Gosh, maybe I should see the movie…)

WONDERFUL interview, thanks Kate!

xoShannon

I Pledge…

…to take more time, no, to make more time to bring order to my life and allow myself to enjoy the little moments of soaking up sunshine that I usually let slip away to tackle something else on my to do list instead.

In our Cozy Coaching group we’ve been passing around our pledges! At the end of what feels like an unusually long week, this is my pledge.

It’s Saturday morning. I’m punching out of this computer and punching into some snow pants and ice skates for a day in the snow and sun!

What about you, Sunshine? What do YOU pledge to do for yourself today?

Looove and love and hugs,

Tera

How Toxic Are You? Take This Toxicity Assessment To Find Out!

Take This Toxicity Self-Assessment

Rate each of the following symptoms based upon your

health profile for the past 30 days.

Point Scale:
0 = never or almost never have the symptom
1 = occasionally have the symptoms, effect is not severe
2 = occasionally have it, is severe
3 = frequently have it, effect is not severe
4 = frequently have it, effect is severe

Your Current State:
DIGESTIVE SYSTEM:
___ Nausea or vomiting
___Diarrhea
___Constipation
___Belching, passing gas
___Bloated feeling
___Heartburn
____ TOTAL

EARS:
___Itchy ears
___Ear aches, ear infection
___Drainage from ears
___Ringing in ears
___Hearing loss
____ TOTAL
EMOTIONS:
___Mood swings
___Anxiety, fear, nervousness
___Anger, irritability
___Depression
___ TOTAL

ENERGY/ACTIVITY:
___Fatigue, sluggishness
___Apathy, lethargy
___Hyperactivity
___Restlessness
____ TOTAL

EYES:
___Watery, itchy eyes
___Swollen, reddened, or sticky eyelids
___Dark circles under eyes
___Blurred/Tunnel vision
____ TOTAL

HEAD:
___Headaches
___Faintness
___Dizziness
___Insomnia
___ TOTAL

HEART:
___Skipped heartbeats
___Rapid heartbeats
___Chest pain
___TOTAL

JOINTS/MUSCLES:
___Pain or aches in joints
___Arthritis
___Stiffness, limited movement
___Pain, aches in muscles
___Weakness or tiredness in joints
___ TOTAL

LUNGS:
___Chest congestion
___Asthma, bronchitis
___Shortness of breath
___Difficulty breathing
___ TOTAL

MIND:
___Poor memory
___Confusion
___Poor concentration
___Poor coordination
___Difficulty making decisions
___Stuttering/stammering
___Slurred speech
___Learning disabilities”
___ TOTAL

MOUTH/THROAT:
___Chronic coughing
___Gagging, frequent need to clear throat
___Sore throat, hoarseness
___Swollen or discolored tongue, gums, or lips
___Canker sores
___ TOTAL

NOSE:
___Stuffy nose
___Sinus problems
___Hay fever
___Sneezing attack
___Excessive mucus
___ TOTAL

SKIN:
___Acne
___Hives, rashes, dry skin
___Hair loss
___Flushing or hot flashes
___Excessive sweating
___ TOTAL

WEIGHT:
___Binge eating/drinking
___Craving certain foods
___Excessive weight
___Compulsive eating
___Water retention
___Underweight
___ TOTAL

OTHER:
___Frequent Illness
___Frequent or urgent need to urinate
___Genital itch, discharge
___ TOTAL

____ GRAND TOTAL

Overall Score Tabulation:

Add up the numbers to arrive at a total for each section and then add the totals for each section to arrive at the grand total.
Above 50:  Severe toxicity! You should definitely do the 90 Day Detox program then invest in a 15 minute consultation with Dr. Tel-Oren to assess which specific health conditions most need to be addressed and what additional tests and actions may be necessary for your condition.

Above 15-49  is moderately toxic. People with moderate levels of toxicity should definitely do the 90 Day Detoxification Program, but this should be sufficient to getting them on the right path without additional preventional help and eliminating significant toxic accumulation in the body. Although, if there are lingering symptoms despite improvements, one may wish to follow up with specific details through consultation with Dr. T.

Below 14  is Lox Toxicity. Even though your condition is mild you can still benefit from the detox because it can PREVENT diseases, not just treat or improve them. Since it is possible to have low level symptoms in the face of severe toxic accumulation, and it is possible even to harbor severe illness without any symptoms (example, a person can have a severe diagnosis only a couple weeks after a “healthy” check up) it’s important to be aware of toxic exposure at work and at home, and still strongly recommended that everyone undergo a detoxification program.

Sign Up for the 90 Day Deep Tissue Detox HERE!

Registrations close on February 1st!

Stay tuned for an open-invitation Q&A teleseminar about this program and more of your questions answered on the blog!

Medical Disclaimer:
Information on this website and within any of its programs is provided for general educational purposes only and is not intended to constitute 1. Medical advice or counseling II. The practice of medicine including psychiatry, psychology, psychotherapy or the provision of health care diagnosis or treatment, III. The creation of a physician patient or clinical relationship, or IV an endorsement, recommendation or sponsorship of any third party product or service by the sponsor or any of the sponsor’s affiliates, agents, employees, consultants or service providers. For more information, please see our privacy policy and terms of use. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, contact your health care provider promptly.