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Showing posts with label my raw foods journey. Show all posts
Showing posts with label my raw foods journey. Show all posts

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

THESE ARE A FEW OF MY FAVORITE THINGS


My favorite things from The Sound of Music
Love that friggin' song!
Anyhoo. Had to share a couple of my favorite snacks of the moment. They are super simple, very delicious and great for your body!


Apples topped w/Cinnamon - my current fav!
Apples are good for:


  • Bone Protection

  • Asthma Help

  • Alzheimer's Prevention

  • Lower Cholesterol

  • Lung Cancer Prevention

  • Breast Cancer Prevention

  • Colon Cancer Prevention

  • Liver Cancer Prevention

  • Diabetes Management

  • Weight Loss
For more info on the health benefits of apples, read http://www.healthdiaries.com/eatthis/10-health-benefits-of-apples.html


Cinnamon is good for:
• Reducing blood sugar levels and treating Type 2 Diabetes.


• Lowering cholesterol.

• Aiding digestion.

• Treating diarrhea.

• Curing the common cold.

• Reducing arthritis pain.

• Boosting memory and cognitive function.

• Treating toothaches.

• Eliminating bad breath.

• Curing headaches and migraine pain.

A WORD OF CAUTION REGARDING CINNAMON - Some recent studies in Europe have shown that cinnamon derived from the Cassia plant contains a toxic compound known as Coumarin. This compound is known to cause liver and kidney damage in high concentrations. Since the powdered cinnamon that we purchase in our supermarkets is typically derived from the Cassia plant, it is important to avoid consuming high doses of it.


Since cinnamon has an anti-clotting effect on the blood, caution should also be exercised when it is used in combination with other blood-thinning products such as aspirin. Large quantities of cinnamon should also be avoided during pregnancy due to the possibility of adverse effects on the uterus.

Anyone that is currently taking medication for controlling blood sugar levels or blood thinners should consult their doctor before using cinnamon as a regular supplement.

For more info on Cinnamon's health benefits, read http://www.homeremediesweb.com/cinnamon_health_benefits.php


"Eh...what's up, doc?"....
Carrots!

Carrots are good for:
  • Prevent heart diseases


  • Prevent cancer

  • Lower risk of macular degeneration

  • Improves eyesight

  • Reduce the risk of stroke

  • Reduces the risk of diabetes
For more info on the health benefits of carrots, read http://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/vegetable/health-benefits-of-carrot.html


Happy Healthy Snacking!

Post Title THESE ARE A FEW OF MY FAVORITE THINGS

Thursday, July 8, 2010

WHERE I'M AT, PT. II


Hi Gorgeous!

 

 
I know I haven’t posted on healthy eating in awhile so here goes. I have totally been “off the wagon” and I just cannot post about something that is not going on in my life. It just wouldn’t be right.

 
Truth be told, I’ve succumbed to stress and eating on the go. Don’t get me wrong. I do get my wheatgrass, fresh juice, vegan and raw-vegan foods in but not on the level that I had going on before.

 
I read where Evelyn (EvelynParham.com) did a water fast (Whew!) for a few days. While I do feel the need to do a serious detox, I’m not quite 100% convinced that I could do a water fast just yet but I am marinating on it.

 
I feel as if I’m starting fresh. So here’s the deal-i-o:

  • increase salad intake
  • e3live in the morning
  • include a fresh juice everyday
  • increase fruit intake
  • bring the green smoothie back on a daily basis
  • incorporate colonics

But all of this would go absolutely nowhere without two main ingredients; Willpower and Focus.
I can't say it any better than Evelyn Parham's post on these two important facets here.

How's your willpower and focus when it comes to your health and wellness?

Post Title WHERE I'M AT, PT. II

Thursday, March 11, 2010

AGAPE NUTRITION BARS... YUMMMM.




Hi Gorgeous!

Had to share with you about some wonderful treats I that had the opportunity to enjoy. I actually had the pleasure of meeting Carolyn Akens in person. Such a beautiful person.

She gifted me with some of her Agape Nutrition Bars for my birthday. {{Hugs}}
The ingredients of her bars are all uncooked and unprocessed, gluten-free, dairy-free and sugar-free. Absolutely good for you and very tasty. Yummmm.
They come in Cranberry Orange, Blueberry Ginger (loves that ginger) and Apple Cobbler flavors. All of which are so delicious.

My fav bar is the Cranberry Orange. OMG!! When I opened the package, the scent took me back to the days of orange creamsicle’s. Even three days later, I could still smell the scent on the packaging. Even as I sit here and type this up I can still smell “orange creamsicle” on the packaging. And to answer the question that I’m sure is in your mind. Yes, I did. It smells soooooo delicious that I had to hold on to the packaging. Don't judge me. Lol. I do love my citrus scents.

For a clean, healthy and nutritious snack or breakfast-on-the-go, you can order Agape bars at AgapeNutritionBars.com & Foodoro.com.

Post Title AGAPE NUTRITION BARS... YUMMMM.

Thursday, December 3, 2009

WHERE I'M AT



Hi Beautiful Ones!

Happy Friday! I hope that you all have had a lovely week, full of beauty, peace and joy. Mine has been quite busy as is the typical life of a mom.

I wanted to update you all on my Raw Foods Journey and let you know how it’s going thus far. It is not where I intended it to be. For one thing, I’ve had to come to grips with the fact that I can be an emotional eater. That is my biggest contender. Secondly, it’s cold. I often get cold easily. Especially when it’s rainy… and cold. No likey. During these colder months, I’ve decided that I will simply focus on vegan foods and still include a fresh juice or smoothie daily. The living/raw foods entrees will get included when I feel inclined to. No stipulations just return to going with the flow while being intuned to what my body needs. Once it’s warmed up again, my focus and intent to increase my raw vegan intake will be back in full swing. At first, I felt slightly defeated by this decision but I’ve gotta do me. I certainly haven’t given up on my decision to go 70 to 75% raw. This, of course, is an ongoing process. A journey that I do intend to go the full course of. On top of which, Vegan eating is healthy.

In lieu of this conclusion, I am posting the standards that some highly acknowledged raw food leaders agreed upon at the International Living Food Summit 2009. I figure some of you reading this may be wondering what I’m talking about when I refer to the living/raw foods lifestyle. This summit is convened to unify the leadership in the Living Food Movement, establishing scientifically based common standards for optimum health. Leaders from eight countries (with a combined total of over 500 years following this lifestyle) agreed on the following standards:

The Optimum Diet for Health/Longevity:
• Vegan (no animal products of any kind, cooked or raw)
• Organic
• Whole Foods
• At least 80% raw (the remaining to be Vegan, whole food, and organic)
• High in nutrition such as vitamins, antioxidants and phytonutrients
• Highly mineralized
• Contains a significant quantity of chlorophyll-rich green foods
• Contains adequate complete protein from plant sources
• Provides excellent hydration with a large proportion of high-water content foods and pure water
• Includes raw vegetable juices
• Contains all essential fatty acids from naturally occurring plant sources
• Has moderate, yet adequate caloric intake
• Contains only low to moderate sugar and exclusively from whole food sources (fruitarianism is strongly
discouraged)
• Contains minimal amounts of unprocessed salts, as needed (depending upon your constitution)
• Is nutritionally optimal for both detoxification and rebuilding

We also agree:
• Eating local, ripe, seasonally available foods as appropriate is advisable.
• Deficiencies of both Vitamin B-12 and Vitamin D-3 are common issues for mental and physical health, for
anyone on any diet. Plant-based supplementation of Vitamin B-12 is imperative. Adequate Vitamin D levels
can be maintained with sufficient sun exposure. When exposure is inadequate, take appropriate levels of plant –
based Vitamin D-3.
• The addition of enzyme active superfoods and whole food supplements is also advised but does not take the
place of the optimum diet described above.
• Caffeinated and/or addictive substances (even in their raw form), such as cacao/chocolate, coffee, caffeinated
teas, and alcohol are highly discouraged. etc.
• This way of eating can be further optimized by tailoring it based on individual needs (within the principles
stated).
• Benefits derived by following these principles are proportional to how well they are followed.
• We will remain open-minded, and this information will be updated and expanded upon, if necessary, as new
research becomes available.
• Diet is a critical part of a healthy lifestyle, yet not the entire picture. A full spectrum, health supportive
lifestyle is encouraged. This includes physical exercise, exposure to sunshine, as well as psychological health.
Avoiding environmental toxins and toxic products is essential. Paramount is pure water (for consumption and
bathing), the use of natural fiber clothing, and non-toxic personal care products. Also consider healthy options
in home furnishings/building materials and related items.

All participating leaders agree that eating according to the International Living Food Summit Guidelines will
significantly address the urgent issues of health, environmental sustainability, world hunger, and a
compassionate respect for all life.

The following leaders support this Summit Statement:
Fred Bisci, PhD – USA
Tamera Campbell – Vision – USA
Katharine Clark – RN, CMT, CCT - USA
Brenda Cobb – Living Foods Institute - USA
Gabriel Cousens, MD, MD(H) – Diplomat American Board of Holistic Medicine - USA
Anna Maria Clement, CN, NMD, PhD – Hippocrates Health Institute - USA
Brian Clement, CN, NMD, PhD – Hippocrates Health Institute – USA
Karin Dina, DC – RawFoodEducation.com - USA
Rick Dina, DC – RawFoodEducation.com - USA
Dorit – Green Lifestyle Film Festival – USA/Israel
Carole Dougoud – Institute Haute Vitalite - Switzerland
Kare Engstrom – Dietician - Sweden
John Eagle Freedom – Health City USA
Laura Gonzalez – GWAH Healing Institute – USA
Jane Holmes – Living Foods Institute – USA
Elizabeth Kapadia, DN – GWAH Healing Institute – USA
Viktoras Kulvinskas – “Grandfather” of the Living Foods Movement – USA/Costa Rica
Dan Ladermann – Institute for Vibrant Living – USA
Marie Christine Lhermitte – Chemin du mas Magnuel - France
George Malkmus – Hallelujah Acres - USA
Rhonda Malkmus – Hallelujah Acres - USA
Paul Nison – The Raw Life – USA
David Rainoshek, MA – JuiceFeasting.com - USA
Katrina Rainoshek – JuiceFeasting.com - USA
Claudine Richard – Naturopath - France
Michael Saiber – Vision, E3Live - USA
Jameth Sheridan, ND – HealthForce Nutritionals – USA
Cherie Soria – Living Light Culinary Institute – USA
Diana Store – RawSuperfoods.com – UK/The Netherlands
Jill Swyers – Living Foods For Health – UK/Portugal
Walter J. Urban, PhD – USA - Costa Rica



Have a wonderful weekend!
And remember, do you and do you fabulously!

Much Luv,
CO

Post Title WHERE I'M AT

Thursday, November 19, 2009

DANDELION GREEN SMOOTHIES


Hi Gorgeous!

It is sooooo beautiful here. I hope that you are having lovely weather where you are. If not, happythoughts. =)

On last week, I decided I wanted to really expand on the types of greens that I was using for my green smoothies. Typically, I've stuck with spinach and kale. But after more reading & research on green smoothies, I see that rotating the greens in them is very important.

Why? Because almost all greens contain trace amounts of alkaloids. Tiny quantities of alkaloids cannot hurt you. It can actually strengthen the immune system, in tiny amounts. However, if you keep consuming kale, or spinach, or any other single green for many weeks without rotation, eventually the same type of alkaloids can accumulate in your body and cause unwanted symptoms of poisoning. Mixing them or putting your greens into rotation is the best way to consume them in your diet. And just so you know, this does not apply to fruit.

Having said all that, I decided to try some weed. Dandelion weed that is. Why dandelion? Well, because I had seen some green smoothie recipes with dandelion in them and was curious as to the taste and benefits. I had read in one of Victoria Boutenko's books that weeds are high in vitamins and minerals, especially because they haven't been cultivated by extensive farming methods. Only thing is they (weeds) are quite bitter in taste. It has been said that the more bitter a green is the better is for you. I figured that (bitterness) was easy to get around though. Just add a sweetener.

I'll share the two green smoothie recipes I made but let me tell you some of the benefits of the dandelion green.

Antiviral - The roots possess strong antiviral properties.
Blood Sugar - May help stabilize blood sugar levels.
Digestion - General The root acts as an appetite stimulant, helps promote digestion and gastrointestinal health, encourages the growth of healthy bacteria, and alleviates flatulence.
Gallbladder - Cleansing and healing to the gallbladder. Typically, the roots or juice from the leaves are used for this.
Heart - May help lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and raise good cholesterol (HDL).
Kidneys - The leaves support kidney function and act as a diuretic.
Liver - The roots promote liver detoxification.
Menstruation/PMS - Alleviates the bloating associated with PMS.


Now before you go to pullin' weeds in your back yard (As a friend of mine thought I was doing. Lol.), I recommend that you get them from your local farmer's market (where I got mine from) or you may want to consider taking a class to help you identify plants.

Now onto my yummy smoothies:



1 bunch of dandelion
1 frozen banana
some frozen mango chunks
1 C distilled water
some agave nectar (to sweeten)

This was good, however it still had somewhat of a bitter after-taste to it hence the drinking of it in a wine glass. Hey, I had to do what I had to do to help me consider it more palatable. The next smoothie was awesome.



1 bunch of dandelion
2 granny smith apples (Their tartness really balances out the dandelions bitterness)
1 frozen banana
distilled water

This one was sooooooo delicious! It's my favorite now.

Well, that's all for now. I'll talk more on the benefits of wild edibles (weeds) on next week.

Happy healthy living,
CO

Post Title DANDELION GREEN SMOOTHIES

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

GINGER {revisited}

**THIS IS A REPOST**----**THIS IS A REPOST**
I wanted to revisit this because ginger is a "warming" herb. Great year-round but also during the cooler/colder months. So if you're looking to spice it up a bit, this is one of the herbs for you.


One of my fave smoothies of the moment contains mixed berries, an apple, spinach, and a little ginger. Oh, how I love the smell of ginger. When grating it, you partake in such a wonderful aroma. It’s so pleasing to the senses. It’s also pleasing to the body. Let me tell you how.

A researcher at Cornell University Medical College discovered that ginger has an effect on blood clots that is similar to that of aspirin. By the same token, it appears that high cholesterol levels are lowered using the same active ingredient in ginger.

Health & Nutrition Benefits of Eating Ginger

Ginger has been found to be helpful in blocking the harmful effects of prostaglandin, a substance that can lead to inflammation of the blood vessels in the brain and even cause migraines.

Ginger has been associated with alleviation of the feeling of nausea, even in the case of pregnant women.

The anti-inflammatory properties of ginger make it effective in alleviation of the pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis.

Ginger helps to promote warmth in the upper respiratory tract and thus, is quite effective in treating the cold and flu.

Those suffering from cramps, caused by stomach gas have found ginger to be quite effective.

Ginger makes the platelets less sticky and is thus, pretty helpful in case of circulatory disorders.

The cineole content in ginger has been found to be a mood enhancer and can help in relieving stress. (Hmmm…no wonder.)

Ginger is a natural and effective mouth freshener and also aids digestion.

Ginger reduces inflammation and also helps lower cholesterol.

Ginger is good for those suffering from gas and bloating.

Naturally firms and tones skin with moisture retention properties

Ginger is believed to have anti-caner properties.

Ginger has been associated with easing of menstrual cramps and mitigation of headaches and migraines.

Ginger is quite effective in treating diarrhea.
Note this: When buying ginger, fresh is best! Be sure to avoid ginger with dry, wrinkled skin, mold or soft spots. African and Indian ginger are the most potent. Grating or using a garlic press will give you the maximum benefit. Also, ginger can give you many benefits but more is not always better. An ounce a day should give you all the benefits you will need.

Post Title GINGER {revisited}

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

JUICING {RELOADED}


Freshly juiced vegetables (also referred to as fresh green drinks containing ingredients such as cucumber, celery, spinach, lettuce, sprouts, kale, pak choi, broccoli, cabbage, parsley etc.) give your body an instant boost of nutrients, enzymes, vitamins and minerals in a form that the body can easily assimilate, absorb and digest – in fact, studies have shown that the nutrients from juiced vegetables are within our bloodstream within 30 minutes of consumption!

At the most basic level, juicing allows us to add so many more vegetables to our daily diet, and to up the amount of raw food we consume giving the body energy and boosting the immune system and the body’s cleansing process.

A quick summary of why juicing is so beneficial:
- Green juices contain lots of chlorophyll which is incredibly effective in detoxifying our bodies. Chlorophyll can help make our bodies strong, detoxify the liver, can purify and help to rebuild our blood cells (as the molecular structure is very similar to haemoglobin which moves oxygen through our blood), remove mold, parasites and myco/exotoxins from the body and (as many, many studies show) can help prevent and remove cancer cells.

- According to macrobiotic.co.uk – one of the biggest health benefits of juicing can be summarised in one phrase: cellular cleansing. According to Steve Meyerowitz (the Sprout Man!) all changes to a persons health should start at a cellular level by oxygenating and cleansing the system of toxins and other damaging foreign invaders. This is known as creating and enhancing health and fitness from the inside out. The cellular environment is the environment where all of the cells in our body live, including the lymphatic system, digestive system, and cardiovascular system. This could be a whole article in itself, however, it is important to remember that fresh vegetable juices are massively beneficial to the body’s efforts to cleanse its cellular environment.

- Raw, fresh vegetable juices are extremely alkaline. We have several other articles on the importance of alkalising your body, however, very briefly – it is highly beneficial to ensure that your body does not become over-acidic and that an alkaline balance is maintained in the blood & tissues. Over acidification is the common theme and cause of almost all conditions of ill health!

- As mentioned, raw vegetable juices/ green drinks are an excellent source of vitamins & minerals, trace elements, enzymes and nutrients which supply essential elements required for the body’s healing processes and cell regeneration.

- Vegetable juices are rich in natural medicines, vegetal hormones & antibiotics. For instance, certain hormones needed by the pancreas to produce insulin are present in cucumber & onion juices and freshly juiced garlic, onions, radish & tomatoes contain many beneficial antibiotic substances.

- Easily absorbed organic minerals such as calcium, potassium & silicon are contained within fresh vegetable juice. These minerals assist the body in restoring the biochemical & mineral balance in the tissues & cells, which helps to prevent the premature aging of cells & disease.

**info from energiseforlife**


Just wanted to share a couple of the juices that I've made in my juicer. I really enjoy them.

The Acidity Buster by Sandra Cabot

1/2 grapefruit, peeled
1 lemon
2 stalks of celery, leaves removed
1 cucumber
1 red radish
2 inch slice of pineapple
1/2 inch ginger root


The Oxygenator by Natalia Rose

1 lb of carrots
1 medium beet
1 Tablespoon fresh ginger
1/4 tsp fresh Serrano chili

For my juices, I stick with organic foods. Also, the juicer that I have is the Breville Juice Fountain Plus. And yes, I enjoy this juicer! I hope to purchase a Greenstar juicer one day, so that I can juice leafy greens really well.

Juice recipes came from the following books:
"Raw Food Life Force Energy" by Natalia Rose
"The Juice Fasting Bible" by Sandra Cabot, MD

Cheers to vibrant health!
ChocolateOrchid

Post Title JUICING {RELOADED}

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

CHIA {REVISITED}


Hola Beautiful Ones!

I just had to share this part of my journey with you all. You may find this interesting.

Earlier this week, I had some juice which I added chia seeds to. About 30 minutes later, I had to take my daughter somewhere. While she was tending to her work, I sat in the lobby w/the other parents. It was very quiet. Well, until my intestines started talking. I was so embarrased! Gurgle, gurgle, gurgle. I ended up waiting outside because the gurgling was crazy loud. I figured it had to do w/the chia seeds which I hadn't had in a while.

Well, here's one of the attributes of chia seeds that I had forgotten.

Intestinal Broom:
Chia seeds bulk up, then work like an incredible digestive broom, sweeping through your intestinal tract, helping to dislodge and eliminate old accumulated waste in the intestines. Many people find their stools also become more regular once they eat chia.
*info from Chia Cheat Sheet from www.TheRawFoodWorld.com*

Needless to say, this has reminded me that its good to include chia in my diet on a daily basis.

If you've never read my original post on Chia then click here. I also winged a couple of smoothie recipes with them that you can see here.

Places You Can Find Organic Chia Seeds:
Organic/Health food stores
Whole Foods markets
ShopRawFoods
VivaRaw
TheRawFoodWorld

Post Title CHIA {REVISITED}

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

HEAVENS TO MURGATROID!!! MY PEE IS PINK!!



Hi Beautifuls!

A couple of weeks ago, I tried a delicious and naturally sweet juice Here’s the recipe:
2 medium carrots, trimmed
4 oranges, peeled
3 medium beets, trimmed


It was wonderful! And I knew it was super healthy for my body. What I didn’t know or expect was that it would turn my pee pink...ish. You can only imagine my thoughts when I first saw this. Especially, since I’m normally a “clear”…... pee'er. Anyhoo, after I calmed down and dismissed any and all wild thoughts about UTI’s or internal bleeding, I knew it had to do something with the beets. So I hit up the internet and sure enough it was there in abundance.


Beets can turn your pee pink! This does not occur in everyone. I REPEAT: THIS DOES NOT OCCUR IN EVERYONE. It happens in about 1 to 8 people. This occurrence has been coined as “Beeturia” and can indicate an iron defiency. This is not surprising to me because I was told years ago that my iron level is low. As a matter of fact, when I was pregnant w/my daughter that was the first thing the doc recommended me to begin taking. You can read more about “Beeturia” here.

So you know what this means... I’ll be incorporating more green smoothies and juices in my diet and including bee pollen and b12. Definitely making a high raw/living foods intake my lifestyle.

Just so you know.
Smooches,
CO

Post Title HEAVENS TO MURGATROID!!! MY PEE IS PINK!!

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

ICE CREAM.......OR IS IT?

Okay, I know that the weather is turning (or has turned depending on your location) cooler but sometimes I just want me some. Ice cream, that is. And seeing as I am so into eating as healthy as I possibly can, I found a recipe for something that will definitely satisfy your sweets craving.



Can you guess what this is....
It’s actually frozen bananas, creamed in a food processor (using the S blade). I got this recipe from ChoosingRaw blog (great raw foods blog). She (Gena from ChoosingRaw) calls this dish "Banana Soft Serve". I could not believe that something this simple could be so good. So of course, I had to put this recipe to the test.




Here’s the recipe :
3 frozen organic bananas
Cinnamon (optional)
Chocolate Sauce (optional)


I took 3 frozen bananas and popped them into the food processor. Pulsed them for about 5 minutes, during which I would stop it and scrap the bananas off the sides to make sure everything was creamed.


In the meantime for the chocolate sauce, I used 1 Tablespoon of raw cacao (raw chocolate) to 2 T of Agave nectar and blended until smooth. And just to make things a little funky, I shook a little bit of Cinnamon on top. Ummmmmm…. So delicious.

I was especially happy when my daughter tried it and loved it. So tryin, to get that girl to eat more raw so I took this as a victory and beginning for her. ( I do believe she’s opening up to it more.) She even requests this. Lol.
It really is a simple win-win recipe. If you try it, let me know what you think.


Ice Creamy Smooches,

CO

Post Title ICE CREAM.......OR IS IT?

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

MACA -- NATURE'S LOVE DRUG



In my journey to incorporate a majority of raw/living foods into my diet, I have come across a lot of foods, supplements and herbs that I had never heard of. One of such herbs was Maca.

It has amazing properties and is becoming more well known of for its effectiveness in health challenges, including osteoporosis, male impotence, menopause, menstrual difficulties, chronic fatigue, and depression. Maca (Lepidium meyenii) is related to the turnip and beetroot. It grows underground, enduring extremes of temperature due to the altitude and proximity to the equator. A true superfood it is the only native vegetable in South America to be a member of the cruciferous family, sharing the cancer fighting properties of its relatives. It is similar to a sweet potato but in the West we can buy raw organic maca in powdered form, keeping all of the nutritional benefits intact. Maca is an adaptogen - that is, a plant classified to have certain medicinal qualities that can fight stress and reduce many degenerative diseases. Maca supplements are often marketed as an herb, although 'herbal maca' is actually a root vegetable. It is widely known for its libido enhancing powers and medicinal properties, but it has been a food product for thousands of years in South America.

Key phrase here is “libido enhancing powers”. So let me lay this personal experience out to you.

Some months ago, I decided to incorporate Maca powder into my diet because I wanted to try this popular food out. After all, it was well known and often mentioned in recipes on raw food blogs, sites and circles. So, of course, me being me decided to give it a try. After all, it’s a raw food and certainly is good for you. Well, I should have read a little more about it or asked some other raw foodies more indepthly about this food because it really had an impact on me. Not long after consistently taking it (I purchased the powdered form and would add it to my smoothies), I noticed something..different about myself.

I was abnormally “hot-n-bothered”. Now please understand. I am a healthy, adult woman with natural sexual desires. But suddenly, I noticed that I was always….ready. Oh my goodness! It got to the point where I could just be reading, laying in the bed, talking on the phone, reading the bible (insert holy book of choice) and urges would just hit me almost overwhelmingly. (Please note that at this same time, I was not in a relationship so I had no one to work this out with. Pure torture, I say! Pure torture! Lol.) I was about ready to jump the mailman, and believe me, he’ ain’t “jump-worthy”!


Yes, this dude needed to watch his back! Really!!

So let’s talk a little more about the uses & history of Maca because I obviously didn’t pay close attention to the stuff I read or didn’t give it much stock.

JUST SO YOU KNOW:

When the farmers were grazing their flocks in Peru many years ago they noticed that when they let their animals graze where there was lots of Peruvian maca root growing the animals would become much healthier, hardier, and stronger, and also they would tend to copulate a lot more and have a much higher fertility rate.

After a while the farmers tried the Peruvian maca root on themselves and found that it made them much more energetic, and strong, and better able to withstand the high altitude, and harsh climate, and also that it made them more sexually active, and fertile as well. Since then, there has been much widespread recorded knowledge and facts about the reputed abilty of Peruvian maca root to be a true aphrodisiac, and a fertility enhancer as well as a very effective energizer, strengthener, and instiller of a feeling of well being.

Maca holds a special place in Peruvian culture. Its dried roots have been treated as a delicacy for thousands of years. To the ancient natives of the Andes, maca was also reputed to restore the fertility of their livestock which often suffered in the high elevation. The Inca's used maca as an energy enhancing potion to give themselves more power before going into battle.

Maca has also been valued as trading commodity. Maca crops are often exchanged with communities at lower altitudes for other food staples such a rice. They were also traded with the Spanish conquistadors as a means of paying taxes. Maca has also been used as a herbal medicine believing to improve fertility, sexual desire, strength and endurance.

Did you notice the words “fertility”, “sexually active”, “libido “and similar terms as it relates to Maca? I challenge you to google it. As a matter of fact, I double-dare you to google it! I guarantee you that you won’t find anything different. And from personal experience, I can definitely tell you that its true.


Now of course, it offers other benefits like:
* Increases energy and endurance

* Increases stamina

* Alleviates chronic exhaustion (fatigue) syndrome

* Can regulate hormonal irregularities

* Aids in alleviating depression, gives a sense of well being, reduces anxiety

* Reduces anxiety and stress

* Has a beneficial action on the circulatory system; Speeds wound healing and reduces anemia

* Enhances memory, learning, and mental ability

* Has a beneficial action on the circulatory system; gives skin a more youthful appearance

* Helps treat anemia, rickets, osteomalacia, and stomach cancer

* Good for healthy teeth and bones

* Inhibits the growth & reproduction of fungi and bacteria

* Acts as an anticarcinogen and antioxidant

* Is an alternative to anabolic steroids, helps to build muscle


So it will definitely benefit you while getting your wheels in gear. I’m just sayin’.

So if you’re looking to increase you and/or your mates libido, I’d say go for. I had to put this stuff away…at least for a minute.

Lol,
ChocolateOrchid

Post Title MACA -- NATURE'S LOVE DRUG

Thursday, September 3, 2009

JUST JUICE



Many people are enjoying the health benefits of consuming raw juices. These powerful elixirs have the ability to strengthen and heal weak cells, increase your oxygen levels, and electron activity through their enzymes, and importantly, saturate your body with needed nutrients. When people are ill, they sometimes have difficulty digesting food. Juice is typically a food that anyone can digest no matter how impaired their anatomy is. Keep in mind that disease states are not the only areas helped by consuming raw juice. Athletes and people who aren't ill use these powerful liquids to prevent free radical damage through the wide spectrum of antioxidants that they provide.

Speaking of which, I have been juicing it up with my Breville Juice Fountain. My current fav juice is a Watermelon/Lemon juice. Very easy and delicious. Tastes like punch.

There are many healthy benefits that you get from watermelons and lemons. The following is a listing of these:

Benefits of Lemon:
1. Lemon act as blood purifier and improves the body’s ability to get rid of toxins.

2. Lemon fruit is excellent in fighting disease that's related to infection.


3. Buy lemon to get rid of certain insects. It’s mother nature’s version of insecticides and will help to repel mosquitoes and flies

4. Some people love antiseptics and would apply it to their skin whenever they have the smallest cut. The good news is you can use lemon on cuts too since it's nature's antiseptics. Not only that, because of its styptics property, it is said that lemon could be applied on cuts to stop bleeding.

5. Drinking lemon juice is useful for people with heart problem - because of its high potassium content

The use of Lemon:
1. Drink fresh lemon juice to cleanse your system

2. Use pure lemon juice on wasp and bee stings to relieve pain

3. Lemon juice mixed with olive oil may help to dissolve gallstones

4. It is believed that regular intake of fresh lemons may be useful in treating cases of kidney stones

And the list goes on for watermelon so I'll try to make this as to the point as possible...

Benefits of Watermelon - Watermelon Nutrients
Watermelon is 92% water, 8% sugar, and high in electrolytes (sodium, potassium, and magnesium), making it a wonderful "energy drink" to hydrate the body.

Watermelon is a good source of vitamin A and beta carotene. Eating watermelon is actually better for your eyes than eating carrots in preventing age-related vision loss (such as macular degeneration and cataracts).

Other watermelon nutrients include vitamin C, thiamin, vitamin B6, and vitamin B1.

Benefits of Watermelon Nutrients - Antioxidants
Besides including the antioxidants vitamin C, vitamin A, and beta carotene, research has recently discovered watermelon is rich in lycopene (a phytochemical). On average, watermelons have about 40% more lycopene than raw tomatoes.
Antioxidants protect cells against free radicals (damaging molecules that play a role in cancer, heart disease, and other diseases). Lycopene is said to be particularly effective in preventing prostate cancer.

Benefits of Watermelon Nutrients - Citrulline
Watermelon is high in citrulline, a non-essential amino acid our bodies use to make arginine, an essential amino acid. Benefits of these amino acids include:
• removing ammonia from the body
• lowering blood pressure
• promoting energy
• strengthening the immune system
• stimulating the pancreas to release insulin
• maintaining acid base balance.

*According to scientists at the Texas A&M's Fruit and Vegetable Improvement Center, citrulline found in watermelon acts similar to sildenafil citrate (better known as Viagra).


You may be wondering what is that stuff at the top of CO's watermelon-lemon juice. Well, I decided to add some Chia seeds to it. Remember my Chia seed post. I just soaked about 1.5 Tablespoons of Chia seeds in distilled water for 30 minutes. After I juiced the melon and lemon, I added the seeds to it.

Oh, here's the recipe which I mostly wing.

WATERMELON PUNCH
1/4 to 1/2 of a small watermelon
1 lemon
I simply juice it, drink and enjoy.

Also, here's a list of issues and some juices that you can drink to address them.

**from : THE JUICING BOOK – Steven Blauer

Acidosis papaya, pineapple
Anemia alfalfa sprouts, asparagus, bean sprouts, beet, beet greens, buckwheat greens dandelion greens, endive, kale, kohlrabi, lettuce, parsley, purslane, spinach, string beans, swiss chard, turnip, turnip greens, watercress, wheatgrass, cherry, grape, lemon, lime, orange, prune
Asthma cabbage, cabbage sprout, carrot, celery, kale, kohlrabi, parsnip, radish, radish sprout, scallion, sunflower greens, turnip, turnip greens, wheatgrass, cranberry
Bladder Disorders beet, beet greens, carrot, cabbage, cabbage sprout, kohlrabi, parsley, parsnip, purslane, sunflower green, summer squash, tomato (fresh), turnip, turnip greens, watercress, wheatgrass, cranberry, melon, pear, watermelon
Blood Pressure Beet, beet greens, cabbage, cabbage sprouts, cucumber, spinach, wheatgrass
High Blood Pressure orange
Cancer asparagus, bean sprout, beet greens, carrot, kale, kohlrabi, parsley, parsnip, spinach, sunflower greens, swiss chard, turnip, turnip greens, wheatgrass, grape
Constipation cabbage, cabbage sprout, celery. Dandelion greens, endive, lettuce, purslane, spinach, wheatgrass, cherry, grape, lemon, lime, melon, papaya, peach, pear, prune, strawberry, watermelon
Fever cucumber, cranberry, grape, grapefruit, lemon, lime, orange, strawberry
Fluid Retention bean sprout, cucumber, fenugreek sprout, cranberry, strawberry, watermelon
Hay Fever carrot, kale, parsnip, wheatgrass
Heart Disease beet, beet greens, buckwheat greens, dandelion greens, endive, fenugreek sprouts, kohlrabi, parsley, pepper, purslane, scallion, spinach, sunflower greens, turnip greens, orange, papaya
Kidney Disorders alfalfa sprouts, asparagus, beet, beet greens, cabbage, cabbage sprouts, celery, cucumber, lamb’s quarters, apple, cranberry, grape, melon, papaya, strawberry, watermelon
Liver Disorders Alfalfa sprouts, beet, beet greens, carrot, celery, dandelion greens, endive, kale, kohlrabi, lamb’s quarters, lettuce, parsnip, purslane, spinach, sunflower, tomato (fresh), turnip, turnip greens, watercress, wheatgrass, apple, grapefruit, grape, lemon, lime, orange, papaya, pear
Prostate Disorders asparagus, parsley, cherry, pear, strawberry, watermelon
Pregnancy & Delivery alfalfa sprouts, bean sprouts, beet, beet greens, carrot, kale, lamb’s quarter, parsnip, swiss chard, greapfruit, peach, watermelon
Rheumatism asparagus, apple, cherry, grape, lemon, lime, orange, strawberry
Skin Disorders asparagus, beet, beet greens, carrot, dandelion greens, endive, fenugreek sprout, kohlrabi, parsley, parsnip, pepper, purslane, radish sprout, scallion, spinach, string bean, sunflower greens, swiss chard, tomato (fresh), turnip, turnip green, watercress, wheatgrass, cranberry, grape, grapefruit, melon, lime, orange, watermelon
Ulcers cabbage, cabbage sprouts, carrot, kale, parsnip, spinach, wheatgrass, papaya


Happy Juicing,
CO

P.S. Next week I'll feature another juice I've tried.

Post Title JUST JUICE

Thursday, August 20, 2009

MY 3 DAYS OF HIGH-RAW


Hola Chicas y Chicos!

On last week, I decided to eat a simple high-raw diet for as long as I felt to do it. No pressure. No definitive outline. Just a "go with the flow" kind of thing. Well, I shouldn't say "randomly decided". It was more like I was feeling crappy because I had been eating alot more processed heavy foods than normal. (I have pretty much gotten that intake down to almost non-existent.) And drinking more coffee than norm (Yes, I still drink coffee from time to time.) and a few more drinks. Which all combined to make me feel pretty yuckky.

So I chose to listen to my body and eat light, simple, organic raw vegan food. About 95 to 98% of my daily intake was raw vegan. I didn't go out and buy a bunch of stuff, I just ate from what I had. My daily intake consisted of smoothies, fruit, salads, veggies and one meal of granola based cereal. I must say, I felt great! I had no cravings. No thoughts on what I couldn't eat but rather on foods that would be good to my body that I had a taste for. It really was a freeing feeling of sorts. Focusing on feeding my body the right fuel so that it could function properly really works!

You may think that it was just a fluke but it wasn't. Over the weekend, I ate heavy and definitely felt the difference. So I've decided to go back to high raw eating. Again, without any detailed menus or time frame specifics. But just go with the flow and tune into my body and what it may crave or want.

Oh, almost forgot to mention that during my 3 days I continued to work out with no problems. If anything, I was more focused. The one thing that I plan on doing is adding more fat (nuts, avocado). Near the end of my three day run I did feel a gravitation towards some type of fat.

What are you doing good for your body, yourself?......

Post Title MY 3 DAYS OF HIGH-RAW

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

CHIA SMOOTHIE RECIPES




Remember my post about Chia seeds?... Well, I have been having a wonderful time with my chia seeds. It is so simple to incorporate this wonderful food into your diet. I just "activated" them in water for 30 minutes before adding them to my smoothie recipes. The above picture attempts to show their consistency once water has been added. The mixture becomes like a gel.

Here are a couple of smoothies that I made w/them.

Cacao-Banana Smoothie w/Chia Seeds

1 C almond milk
1 large frozen banana
2 T cacao nibs (ground up)
2 T chia seeds (activated in water)
Can sweeten w/lucuma or other sweetener of choice (agave nectar, stevia, honey) if necessary.

Place 2 T chia seeds in 2 to 3 T of water. Let sit for 30 minutes. Grind up cacao nibs and add to blender. Add all other ingredients to blender. Blend until desired consistency.
Enjoy. =)














Chia Mixed Berry Smoothie
2 T chia seeds (soak in water for 30 minutes)
1 C of frozen mixed berries
Handful of baby spinach
1 C of distilled water
Agave nectar or other natural sweetener if needed

Place all ingredients in blender. Blend until desired consistency.
Enjoy








Both of these smoothies were really delicious! I ended up adding more spinach to my Chia Mixed Berry Smoothie. It was sweet enough without the added agave nectar but if you've never had a smoothie w/greens in them you may want to add a natural sweetener to it. This also goes for my Cacao-Banana Smoothie. I really don't think I needed the lucuma in it because of the sweetness of the banana. (Btw, I freeze my bananas after they've ripened.) But I do believe the lucuma powder added a sweet nuttiness to the flavor fo the smoothie.

Also, chia seeds don't have a taste. At least that I can tell. It seems to take on the taste of whatever you put it with. If you live in the metro Atlanta area, you may want to go by an Arden's Garden and try their Orange Chia juice. (Btw, you can also find some of the Arden's Garden juices in Whole Foods.) It's really delicious! I suppose I would liken the experience to drinking a bubble tea.

Happy Healthy Eating,
CO

Post Title CHIA SMOOTHIE RECIPES

Thursday, May 7, 2009

My Raw Foods Journey.....the saga continues


Hi Beautiful!

As you may or may not be aware of, I am on a journey to eating a 70 to 75% raw vegan diet for best health. A raw vegan diet consists of unprocessed, uncooked, organic vegan foods that have not been heated above 115 degrees Fahrenheit (46 degrees Celsius). “Raw foodists” believe that foods cooked above this temperature have lost a significant amount of their nutritional value and are harmful to the body. Many people clarify that they eat a “high raw” or a certain percentage raw, such as “75% raw”. I have no problem admitting to you that I’m not there yet. This is definitely a working process. But one that I am committed to following til I get to my goal.

I recently picked up a book by Natalia Rose called, “Raw Food Life Force Energy”. I had heard about this book and her 21 day program from a couple of people who give the book and her high praises. In the book, Natalia discusses “food combining”, which I’ve heard a lot about. Not only in the raw foods community. Not only does she advocate food combining but she also believes in the practice of eating “light to heavy”. Meaning “eating the lightest possible foods in the morning, and gradually increasing the density of the foods we eat, so that the heaviest meal is dinner.” The reasoning behind this is the “heavy foods in the daylight hours steal our energy and inhibit elimination”. Following this will ideally give you a lot more energy and better eliminations (no. 2’s). I am testing this out and have been for about a week. So far (as long as I stick to it) it’s been great. I want to give it a month before I post my reflections/conclusions on this practice.

Now, back to food combining…Natalia refers to food combining under the “Quick-Exit” Principle. Here’s an excerpt from her book:

“The Quick-Exit Principle tells us that the most health-generating foods and combinations of foods are those that enter the body, give the body what it needs, and then get the bloomin’ heck out of there! Hydrating fruits and veggies do exactly this, which makes them the quickest exit foods around…….What is the reasoning behind the Quick-Exit Principle? Whenever you eat a food or combination of foods that is difficult to digest, you paralyze the flow of Life Force Energy because “slow-exit” foods and meals use up the vital energy and enzymes that are working hard to break these substances down. This all amounts to a loss of energy that could have been put to many more supportive, anti-aging tasks within the body. If you eat a slow-exit meal once in a while, it’s not a big deal b/c the body can afford the occasional energy leach as long as the meals do not pile up. But if you eat a heavy, slow-exit meal several times a day or week, the constant drain on the body’s Life Force Energy, the expenditure of precious enzymes, and the pileup of waste multiplies, overtaxing and disfiguring the body.”

“While the quickest-exit foods are also the highest-Life Force Energy foods, such as raw fruits and vegetables, you are not expected to live on these foods exclusively-that would be too extreme for most people. Any high-quality, minimally processed natural food, including fresh fish, whole-grain pasta, sprouted grain breads, raw goat cheese, and brown rice, can make a quick exit from the body if it is enjoyed in a quick-exit combination.”


Here’s a short rundown on Quick Exit Food Combining:

1. Starches (breads, pastas, whole grains, potatoes, legumes, cooked corn, avocado*) combine only with other starches and all raw and cooked vegetables.
2. Meats combine only with other meats, all raw vegetables, and all cooked non-starch vegetables.

3. Nuts combine only with other nuts, seeds, dried fruits, bananas, and all raw vegetables.

4. Dried fruits combine only with other dried fruits, avocados, bananas, nuts and all raw vegetables.

5. Fresh fruit should only be eaten alone on an empty stomach.

*Avocado is technically a fruit. If eaten without other starches (just with raw vegetables), it will combine perfectly with all fruits, including dried fruits.


Work in progress is all I can say. I have my good days along w/some stumbles and flat-out "I want what I want" days. With the inspiration and motivation that I get from some wonderful people (like Ingrid at RawEpicurean, Althea at theRawMochaAngel, earthmother at InTheRaw, and folks in the ATL's raw foods meetup group) that I've met along the way, I just pick back up where I drop off cause I'm committed to this journey of mine. =)

Post Title My Raw Foods Journey.....the saga continues