How to Have a Booger-Free Flu Season on Raw Food

by Sarah Womer

With flu season upon us compounded with the swine flu “threat” there’s

something that’s not being talked about!
A raw diet keeps you healthy even when others around you are sick!

It’s true!
Personally  speaking, from the moment I started eating a 100 percent raw diet,  something amazing happened: I stopped getting “colds”!  It doesn’t
matter if you eat the “typical” raw diet with more fruit, nuts, and
seeds than essential leafy greens or a diet with an abundance of leafy
greens — as long as it is un-cooked, it is going to do so much protect
your health!

If you aren’t sure, let me tell you a personal story:
It hadn’t been very long that I was eating raw– maybe 8 months –
when my aunt brought over an organic vegan stew with gluten free
noodles.  Well, I thought about it and had some.  It was vegan, it was
essentially what I would have eaten anyway except it was cooked.  So
was it really that bad?  Even though it never upset my system (and
believe me, if it was bad to eat I would have instantly chucked it
from my body willingly or not!) two days later I got a full-blown
cold.
I was congested, feverish, and fully sick.  You could call it detox, but it was transferred from my son’s friend to my son and then to me.  Generally, this doesn’t happen and worse case scenario I get a little bit of a raspy voice.  I took a day of fasting and some teas and then drank some green smoothies and instantly felt better.

If this wasn’t a clear indication that eating raw was protecting my body from breaking down and helping me thrive in the mean time, I don’t know what is!

But before I say that it was “raw food” that did the trick, let me reiterate and say that not only did raw food help me recover, it was  the dark leafy greens and green smoothies that really kept me healthy!

And there is the key to staying free from sickness this “sick”  season — you don’t need any kind of shot but wheatgrass and any kind of medicine except for green smoothies!  As long as you are eating raw  foods and including at least one green smoothie in your diet every 1-2  days, you will be heads above the rest!

This isn’t to scare you into eating raw but to motivate you to stick with it!  Sometimes it can be hard to be the only raw person in the house, in the community, or whatever your situation may be.  So if you hardly ever hear it, hear it now: YOU ARE DOING THE RIGHT THING; YOU  ARE MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICES. And your stick-to-it attitude will pay off great in the long-term! 

** Sarah Womer is one of our Blogging Beauties and her Bio can be found here: Meet The Blogging Beauties!

** We are not medical professionals so any advice offered is personal opinion and information only.

Like Mother, Like Daughter. . .

by Karen Schachter

We moms have a tough path to walk as we help our daughters navigate the sometimes choppy waters of growing up girl.  It’s our job to protect our children and do our best to keep them safe and healthy, yet we also have to allow them to grow, stretch and learn from their own mistakes. It’s a fine line between letting them be who they are and wanting to “tweak” them just a little bit so they don’t suffer from the same mistakes or struggles that we did.

When it comes to healthy eating and a positive body image, this fine line can feel fragile and confusing, particularly if you struggle with these issues yourself.

When I teach workshops or work individually with moms, I am always asked some of the same questions: Should I let my kids have desert every day? How do I deal with their love of sweets?  How can I help her stop eating when she’s not hungry anymore?  How can I help her lose weight without making her feel bad about her body?  How can I help her feel good about her body, no matter what its size? How can I help her feel good about herself and treat herself with respect?

Although I can give concrete “answers” to many of these questions, the truth is, there is no one “right” answer that works for everyone, all the time. There is no “magic bullet” to self-esteem, to body confidence, to self-care, and to inspiring good health in our daughter.

However, there is one piece of the puzzle that is so important, one KEY asset that is SO valuable, and one action that IS within our control…that is more powerful than anything we can say or anything we can feed them.

YOU.

As her mom, the only thing you really have control over (especially as she gets older) is who YOU are BEING and how YOU are negotiating your own health, your own eating, your own body image and your own self –esteem.  Are you embodying the actions and feelings that you want her to learn?

Here’s a little food for thought to get you going:

• Next time you notice yourself betwixt and between about an eating habit of your daughter’s, go ahead and check in with yourself: Is there something about that behavior that reminds you of one of your own struggles? (Go ahead and address it in YOURSELF first).
• Imagine that your daughter develops a delicious, nourishing and healthy relationship to food, eating and her body – what will that look like?  Go ahead and try out some of those self-nourishing actions for YOURSELF.
  
• What if food,  eating and body image weren’t a concern, for you or for your daughter?  What if you had true freedom and peace with these things?  What would your energy and attention be focused on instead? (Go ahead and give it a try).

Here’s the thing:  Our daughters learn how to live in their bodies and care for themselves with food and in their lives from MANY sources, including the media, their peers, their families, and from all the women in their lives.  

I am on a mission – and I invite you to join me – to help change the “face” of what the next generation of girls are learning – and I believe we must first BE THE CHANGE we wish to see in them.   (When moms set their minds to something, there is no telling what could happen…)

*** Karen Schachter is a licensed clinical social worker, certified health counselor, and founder of “Dishing With Your Daughter ,” which offers a variety of programs for girls and women.   As a psychology of eating expert, Karen is especially passionate about helping the next generation of girls experience nourishment, peace and deliciousness in food, eating and their bodies so they can live a healthy, authentic life. Enough of the angst and struggle!  Karen believes in the value of the mom-daughter relationship as a powerful vehicle for creating this change.

Why Can’t You Just Start Already? How to Handle Your Fitness Excuses!

By Jenn Givler

You’ve felt the niggles. The urges. The nudges. You know it’s time to start. You know you should be doing something. But every time you think about starting, something comes up. Some other plan, some interruption, some unexpected obstacle.

I’m talking about exercising. In the midst of being a significant other, a mom, a daughter, a friend and a professional, it can be tough to think about fitting in one more thing, or to even just take the plunge.

The fact is, exercise is good for you and your body. Among the commonly stated health benefits (increased cardio vascular health, increased energy, lower risk of multiple diseases, etc…), exercise also has some amazing not-commonly-heard-about benefits.

For example, exercising helps your body eliminate toxins. It also increases the good feelings you have about yourself and your positive self-talk. Exercise is wonderful for your libido. It helps you think clearly, and it gives you stamina for your all of your regular daily activities. It also improves sleep.

Even knowing all of this can make us stutter and stammer when it comes to starting a new exercise program.

Here are 3 simple ways to get started:

• Buddy up.  Find someone that will truly kick you into gear if you start making excuses. And, be sure that your buddy has the same mind-set and similar goals for exercise that you do. Together, create a plan that you can both easily stick to and go for it.
• Find the time.  Find a time each and every day that will be used for nothing other than exercise. At first, it’s going to be tough to stick to that time. Your mind is going to have all sorts of reasons why you can’t. And you’re going to make up excuses. But, I promise, if you stick to a regular time for at least 2 weeks, it will become a new routine, and you’ll actually hate to miss your exercise time.
• Keep it simple.  To get aerobic benefits, you don’t have to beat yourself to a pulp. This is something that is echoed in the Body Enlightenment System.

Walking at a moderate pace for 20 to 30 minutes a day is the perfect way to start moving.

To know that you’re truly getting benefit from the movement, make sure you’re winded (that it’s not easy to have a conversation, or that you’re breathing heavier),  and that you feel like you’re really working.
Inertia is defined as “an object at rest stays at rest unless acted on by an outside force.” For those of us needing to start something, inertia can be our biggest rival.
But, once you get going and get into a new routine, it’s easy to build a great new momentum in the right direction.

Start simply, find a buddy, pick a time and go for it.

**Jenn Givler is a fitness and wellness coach. She helps busy women break their fitness hiatus, and shows them how to fit fitness into a busy schedule. You don’t have to be a fitness buff, or live at the gym to feel healthy, fit and strong. Check out Jenn’s web site for exercise ideas, recipes, and insight: JGivlerFitness.com

Ask *Raw Mom*. . . Your questions.

Each Wednesday we will be answering questions from our readers. If you have a question for *Raw Mom* send it to Ask *Raw Mom*

Q: Hi ladies,

I have been interested in your new dessert book and the lunchbox book, but because I am overseas things like coconut meat and the variety of fresh berries and interesting fruits is limited. Not to mention cacao butter costs the bomb – are many of your recipes dependent on exotic foods?  ( I would have a minimal to moderate amount of superfoodage going on )

In Gratitude,
Julia

A: Hi Julia,

The HEALTHY LUNCHBOX recipe book contains no hard to find or exotic ingredients; even the cacao recipes call for the substitution of carob if cacao isn’t an option. Where coconut water is used, the recipe mentions and does just as well with plain water or nut mylk, so its really interchangeable, as all good, user-friendly recipes are.
Chia seeds and goji berries show up a couple times, but they are not difficult to find anymore, and of all the superfoods, I feel they are mostly economical because a little goes a long way.  Goji berries are costly, however, so raisins, currants or other dried fruits acan be substituted if need be.

I appreciate the whole Superfood movement and recognize its value, yet as a mom I mostly relate to the struggle moms have just getting real food into their children… so I have kept it all pretty real.  The 2 recipes that have jicima, which is a root vegetable that tastes between a potato and an apple, and the few that contain coconut buttter (olive oil would work too) are kind of nice and refreshing because I feel and made the statement in the opening of the book that it is good to try new things, and be open.  Good nutrition almost depends on it.

So its mostly common ingredients with a few surprises thrown in to keep it interesting.
I very much hope you will enjoy it!

Blissings,
~Shakaya
Shannon Shakaya Breeze Leone

Q: Dear Raw Mom,

1. How do you transition your child(ren) from SAD to raw?

2. How long did it take to get them to eat healthy?

3. How do you prepare your child(ren) to deal with social situations, such
as birthday parties, where there will be lots of unhealthy SAD food there?

A: It’s all in the DOING!

It starts with the AWARENESS of what is possible…of the importance of proper nutrition on our children’s young bodies, minds and spirit.
I personally recommend ppl start by

• REMOVE ALL JUNKFOOD from the diet i.e. refined sugar and flour use fruit, honey and other natural sweeteners and create or buy natural and less processed treats.
• ADD IN GREEN SMOOTHIES daily- read GREEN FOR LIFE.
• GO RAW ALL DAY UNTIL DINNER.

Fill up in the day with fresh fruit, veggies and dips, raw soups and flax crackers, raw trail mixes, raw puddings and cereals, salads and garden burgers and zucchini pasta and cabbage burritos and manna bread avocado, tomato, lettuce, cucumber sandwiches or peanut butter/almond/cashew butter with banana.

Green Smoothies and/or Green Juices and/or Nut milks and/or Herbal Teas, with superfoods and supplements such as SPIRULINA/HEMP SEEDS/CHIA SEEDS/BEE POLLEN~ all great protein sources.

Then serve whatever is comforting and wholesome for dinner: soups, stews, steamed veggies, non-gluten grains such as MILLET, QUINOA, AMARANTH, BUCKWHEAT, RICE

Here is where you would have your meat or fish or other cooked foods.

The key here is HEALTH.

HOWEVER long it takes to do this, which could be as fast and quick as you like, its up to each family to go at their own pace.

At social events, bring fruit platters and raw desserts, and big salads and fill-up ahead of time with green smoothies and bring trail mix for the car; and then let go a bit and enjoy the festivities.  My rule is no meat, no junk food.  If they want to try something, I let my kids now, (when they were younger than 9 I just created their plates with the best choices I could find – now that they are 10 and 11, they do this themselves)
And the next day, we are raw and simple and ‘detoxing’ so its all good!

I hope this helps!
Just follow your heart and for some inspiration check out my HEALTHY LUNCHBOX e-book and/or my DVD RAISING CHILDREN RAISES US at the rawmom.com site

Blissings,
xoxoxShakaya

Moments in Thyme. . . Past Reflections

By Joyce Wiatroski

Saturday — a quick trip to the downtown library, a building crammed with knowledge and entertainment as well as a daytime refuge to many homeless souls. Then off to explore a new outdoor market.

I love the city.
Can’t imagine being away from the intoxicating smell of exhaust fumes, the cacophony of autos, sirens and church bells chiming the hour. After many a rainy Saturday, the sky is Florida blue, the sun shines benignly, tempered by a soft breeze and low humidity.

Early April paradise!

The produce the farmers parade looks pretty sad, but then the merchants don’t appear to be farmers. Wilted herbs, stunted red peppers nestled next to overgrown green cucumbers and giant, seed-filled zucchinis. Suddenly I’m surprised by perfect plump mushrooms bedded beside crisp, green snow peas. My mouth waters as I imagine the enticing aroma of the peas and mushrooms sautéing with sweet onions, grated ginger and a dash of roasted sesame oil. A few dollars change hands. Supper is solved.

As I sit surveying the scene, my senses are pleasantly piqued with a wonderful mix of orchid candles and handmade patchouli soap. I suspect I will have to have some of each before I leave.

Indulged myself! Hazelnut iced coffee and a warm fresh, buttery croissant lightly stuffed with caramelized onions and topped with poppy seeds. Probably 1,000 calories or more. Better walk an extra mile or two today.

Live music across the way lifts the spirit. The fountains in the center of the square are bubbling up and a few adventurous children dart in and out. I wonder where I put the slides I took here a couple of years ago for a class assignment. Great candid shots of a group of kids from a foster home clowning around while cooling off in the fountains on a very hot, humid Sunday afternoon. Worth looking for.

Lots of flowers and plants. Gorgeous orchids. Actually, the flowers and plants steal the show. It would be nice to have local, organic produce for sale. There are interesting artisanal breads and colorful ethnic salsas and a couple of coffee stands run by a mother and son with prices to put Starbucks to shame.

Young and old, fat and thin, black and white. The yuppies, the guppies, and even the old mullets, swarm around the square competing for walking space with a group of foraging pigeons. Little red legs, iridescent green neck feathers and amber beady eyes pecking away at whatever crumbs they find upon the ground. I pull apart small pieces from the end of my croissant and toss them out to the avian crowd. They come from clear across the square for a few small morsels of bread, then rise en masse, as they leave for another crumb sighting, startling dozing seniors resting on the scattered benches.

I reluctantly gather my things and prepare to leave, but not before I take one more turn around the square.

Finding these notes from six years ago reminded me how easy it is to find pleasure in the little things in life regardless of social standing, finances or location. Whether living in a big city, medium-sized town, or tiny village; single, married, widowed, divorced, young or old. We need to get outside and enjoy the riches Mother Nature offers. Stroll in a park, hike in the woods, check listings for art festivals, outdoor fairs and craft shows. Soak up the beauty in life — it’s one of the healthiest things we can do for ourselves. Get some fresh air and sunshine.

Breathe deeply, smile widely and continue to manifest . . .

Like fine wine, women grow better with thyme.

** Joyce Wiatroski is the wit and wisdom found on foodiefumblings blog. You can watch for her contributions on the Diva blog on Tuesdays.

Choices. . .

by Mary Delasantos
Yesterday I picked up my daughter, Kim, and granddaughter Hannah, and brought them over to our house for a visit.  Just like any other grandma (or mom), my first thought was that they must need to eat; so on the way to our house we stopped at the grocery store to pick up a few things. We went to the produce department first and Hannah picked out a pint of bright red strawberries for her snack. As we browsed the rest of the store she held on to her treat.  Later when it was our turn at the cash register Hannah would not release the package and protected it as if her life depended upon it.  The cashier had to walk around to the cart where Hannah was sitting so she could scan the price label.

When we got to the house, Kim washed and sliced about half of the strawberries for Hannah.  Hannah was completely enjoying her brightly colored, sweet and juicy snack until Kim and I joined her at the kitchen counter with our snacks.  I offered Kim tortilla chips to go with some very yummy fresh made salsa that Dan had whipped up a few minutes earlier and I had a handful of raw sundried spiced olives. As soon as we sat down Hannah pushed away the strawberries and wanted some of Kim’s chips.  We told her that she could have a chip after she finished all of her strawberries.  Two year old Hannah retrieved her bowl and continued eating.  When Hannah took her last slice of strawberry she slipped off her stool and walked away having forgotten all about the chips.

This made me think about the way most of us eat.  We have tendencies to go for the less nutritious processed foods such as chips and crackers because they are so readily available to us.  If we learn to keep the fresh and nutritious items in our line of site we too, just as Hannah did, will truly enjoy those choices as well.  And, we will feel better for making those choices both mentally and physically.

Happy Eating!

Mary Delasantos
voiceofthevegan.com

Take it easy….

by Kemi Nekvapil
As mothers we are very blessed to be able to take on the role as healers in our families. Sometimes this means holding our children when they are hurt, physically or emotionally. Sometimes it means holding ourselves and our partners in the same circumstances.
But there is also the role of healer in the food we choose to nourish our families with.
If like me you are part of the green smoothie revolution, and you are enjoying the pure nectar on a regular basis, you know how it makes you feel.

What if, though, your family is not joining you?

My husband Emrys may even love them more than me. My daughter Ella, will have a whole blender full, if you turn your back, your breakfast is gone!
My son Benji started to be a little ‘something’ about the texture of his drinks. He would gobble down any variety of freshly juiced fruit and veg, but when it came to a green smoothie he would always try, and sometimes ask for a cup of it, but would never really have any.

So I kept making them, as did my husband. Three of us were drinking but one was not. I was not too worried because I thought “he eats such great food and if he does not get into green smoothies, the world would not end, would it?”
And then one day it happened!

Ella was ill and she did not have an appetite all day, so later on I asked her if she wanted a little soup or a green smoothie, she choose the smoothie. I then had the idea of having a smoothie soup and bingo, I thought “I will add more texture!’’
So Benji and Ella tucked into their green smoothie soups with finely chopped fruit salad on top.
Benji  then looked and me and said ‘’Mum, can I have some more please?’’ Benji had three helpings of soup!

It made me realise that we can have the knowledge to nourish and heal our families. But if we can take it easy, be patient, and offer life-giving foods, then they can heal themselves .

5 Helpful Tips to Get You Through a 7-Day Detox!

by Doll Creelman

I did it!!  I’ve proven that the 7 day detox works!!!  From 7 days ago until now I’ve released 7 pounds.  I’m feeling lighter and have more energy.  My sleep is different.  I’ve passed through the detox headache and am free of detox symptoms.  How amazing is that?!  I love how I feel.  Even my eyes seem brighter.

I did stay totally raw except for the little bit of decaf that I’ve enjoyed.  Actually, not as difficult as I had thought it would be.  I had one evening of almost panic with cravings.  That passed.

Even going out to dinner with my honey was easier than expected.  I spoke to the waitress about what I wanted and she was so good to help me out.  Even gave me a price cut since I wasn’t having the meat with it.

Here’s what worked for me and could work for you:

Set an attainable challenge for yourself

• Make sure you have all the fresh fruit and veggies you need…and ones you really like
• Never let yourself get too hungry
• Get some exercise (out in the fresh air is great)
• Be sure to get the rest you need

It really is that plain and simple.  I know, I had the “buts” and “it’s hard”.  Change is challenging.  I wanted to prove to myself that not only could I do it but that it does work.  Guess what?  I was right.  I am the living, walking, talking proof.

Need some additional support?  Join us Sunday evenings for our FREE Cozy Coaching Calls.  The coaches are here to answer your questions and to offer support.

Want to share your detox story?  Contact Doll, The Cozy Coaching Queen.  You might just be our next special Sunday night guest!

With hugs and love

Doll

Saf Raw-Food Restaurant, London

Hello Raw Moms!

It’s Joanne here, back from England and back to cuddles from her very-much-missed little girls.

Last-minute planning and packing for the trip resulted in NO BLOG POSTING from me prior to departure – apologies!

However, a couple of days before I left Australia’s shores, we released our gorgeous new recipe book – Monkey Mike’s Raw Food Kitchen: An Un-cookbook for Kids!. Your response has been wonderful – we were right in thinking that many of you really wanted a book like this for your children. If you haven’t seen it yet, you can check it out here.

While in England for my sister’s wedding (I was matron of honor – what an honor!), I visited Saf raw-food restaurant in Shoreditch, London. Heading there, with a review for you in mind, took me back to the days when I reviewed restaurants in Melbourne. However, I already knew that I was going to love this place – who couldn’t love a restaurant that offers (mostly) raw-food fine dining, has taken a huge risk in a competitive restaurant market, and is attempting to make the world a better place?

Detox Salad

I sat in the restaurant’s courtyard, soaking up the sunlight that tried to creep through the persistent gray cloud (although we quite like cloud coverage for taking photos), and enjoying the relaxed, friendly service. I loved that the courtyard contained a cute little greenhouse (see picture above), filled with the restaurant’s herbs.

While sipping a luscious Green Clean juice, I munched into my starter – a Detox Salad with spinach, rocket, radish, seaweed, cucumber, mung-bean sprouts, lentil sprouts and omega oil dressing. I felt it could have done with juuuust a smidge more dressing to coat the leaves, but otherwise, it was perfect.

Pad Thai

For the main meal, I indulged in Pad Thai, made with courgette (zucchini), carrot, green capsicum (bell pepper) and snow pea noodles, enoki mushrooms, mung-bean sprouts, and chilli and chipotle almond sauce. This dish was so good – I loved the crunch, the zingy flavors, and the “kick” from the chilli.

And then, oh my goodness – dessert. I am a dessert girl, no question about it. And I was not disappointed when the waiter presented this gorgeous dish to me, with a proud flourish. The Raw Apple Cake was rich, moist, scrumptious. In fact, it was so good that I asked the chef to share the recipe with me, so that I could share it with you! She generously agreed, and so here it is (I haven’t yet tried this at home, but will be doing so very soon…):

Saf Restaurant Raw Apple Cake

Makes 15-20 portions, depending on size of mold

Cakes

2kg apple, coarsely grated (note from Jo: I’d use a food processor to grate this many apples!)

200g raisins

5g ground nutmeg

100g coconut flakes

750g cashews, processed in a food processor

500g dates, processed in a food processor

Mix everything in a bowl.

Make into shapes whatever you like, then set in the fridge.

Frosting/icing

850g cashews, soaked

135ml water

400ml agave nectar

150g coconut flakes

10g orange zest

Mix till smooth in high-speed blender.

(If you give it a try, let me know what you think!)

Raw Apple Cake

Popping the berry garnish into my mouth was a sublime ending to this meal – I thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience, including relishing the last of the English summer out in the very cute courtyard.

I find that presentation makes a huge impact on the enjoyment of a meal, and the presentation here (as you can see by the photos) was beautiful. Note to self: will make more effort with presentation of my own meals at home, and not just for special occasions!

Fueled on by all things green and raw, I walked back to my hotel (a 16km round trip, in the end – things always look closer on the map, don’t they?!), feeling amaaaazing. I’m so glad I made the trek to this inspiring restaurant.

Saf is by no means cheap, but the food is good, and it gives Londoners the chance to experience raw fine-dining. If you’re in London and want to treat yourself to a meal at Saf, head to www.safrestaurant.co.uk for all the info you’ll need.

I love that more and more raw restaurants are popping up all over the world. Aren’t we lucky? Thank you so much to all the restaurateurs who are helping to bring raw to a wider audience.

Till next week!

Love Jo

P.S. Oh, and my sister’s wedding was beautiful!

10 House Plants to Keep as Natural Air Purifiers

Now that we are getting into the colder months, we will most likely be spending more time indoors. That means getting less fresh air and inhaling that stale dry indoor air. What’s a girl to do?

I pondered that thought for a while and came up with this simple and quite obvious idea.

Plants!

Plants are excellent natural air purifiers.  During photosynthesis, plants are continuously taking in carbon dioxide and other airborne toxins to produce oxygen. That’s what you call instant air filtration! It has been estimated that 15-20 spider plants can completely detoxify a home of less than 2000 square feet. The rule  of thumb is 1 plant per 100 square feet. There are many other plants that work to purify as well.\

Having that many plants sounds like a lot but consider the benefits. Plants are natural, cost effective, they beautify your home, and they really bring the outdoors in. You can use hanging baskets, plant stands, and windowsills. If you have children or pets, be sure to keep any plant that is poisonous out of reach.

Here are some common living air purifiers:

• Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
• Golden pothos (epipremnum aureum) toxic to animals
• Peace lily (Spathiphyllum species) poisonous
• Fern (Pteris species and nephrolepsis species)
• Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema modestum ‘Silver Queen’)
• Weeping Fig (ficus benjamina)
• heart leaf philodendron (Philodendron sp) poisonous
• Mums (Chrysanthemum sp) poisonous
• Gerbera daisy (Gerbera sp)
• Aloe Vera (Aloe barbabensis)

Don’t forget  about herbs! They also filter the air and are easily grown indoors.  Rosemary, thyme, oregano, basil, and mint are just a few that not only filter the air and offer aromatic properties, they add wonderful flavor to our food. Bring the garden inside and detoxify!

Christina Menefee

Living on Liquid Sunshine