We live in a world where we’re bombarded with advertising every minute of the day for processed, cooked, unhealthy and addictive food. It’s no wonder that cravings can be hard to deal with. Here are a couple of quick tips for the short term. First, distract yourself with an activity to forget the craving. For example, the next time you want something cooked and unhealthy, take a 4-minute walk. Or, brush your teeth. Or, take a shower. Trust me, these things work!
Secondly, eat some great Raw food (maybe it’s something you consider to be a real Raw treat, such as Raw cheesecake) or drink a creamy, fresh green smoothie. Then, see how severe your craving for cooked food actually is. I’ll bet you it’s gone, or at least reduced big time!
Let’s face it. Odds are that the next time you turn on the TV, you’re not going to hear much about the enormous benefits from living the Raw vegan lifestyle in the mainstream media…(at least not yet). Therefore, to help fight cravings long-term, learn as much as you can about living the Raw vegan lifestyle. This helps you answer people’s questions (because believe me, you’ll be asked what you’re eating and why). So, the more you know the better. It’ll inspire you and motivate you. Read books, websites, and blogs. Attend classes, seminars, expos, and events. Connect with others! Dhru, at We Like It Raw, has been doing a F-A-B-U-L-O-U-S job at keeping us all linked together. We need this Raw Armor of knowledge and community to shield ourselves from temptations and to stand tall, strong, and proud. Thanks Dhru, you rock!
Farmer’s Market Question, Monday’s Food & Exercise
It’s a lovely day, and I am so happy. I LOVE BEING RAW VEGAN!
Farmer’s Market:
Here’s the thing…I recognize the importance of eating locally (for my health and the environment). But, here’s my question: How do I really know if my local “un-certified” farmers are organic just because they say so? The last time I went to the farmer’s market I was discouraged because no one was certified organic, although they tried to assure me that they follow organic farming practices. They blamed the cost of certification as the reason for not having the label. I was bummed because I wanted to buy local and organic. I left with my canvas bags empty and opted for Whole Foods Market. I later asked a small grower in California and he stated that it’s not that expensive to get certified. Hhmmm. I would love nothing more than to buy the most locally grown produce, but I’m a stickler for organic. I know they “say” they are….but how do I truly know (apart from visiting the farm)?
Today’s food:
Breakfast: watermelon (I love watermelon!)
Snack: Dr. Oz “Fresh” Green Smoothie with 3 figs added (large)
Lunch: Big salad of celery, carrots, red bell pepper, cucumbers, and olives topped with Tahini Gingered Carrot Dressing
Snack: Spinach-Banana smoothie (large)
Dinner: Same as lunch
Exercise:
Back and Bicep weight training
Long-ass walk tonight under the stars (6-miles) for my “double” workout
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Detox – Don’t Be Afraid… Be Free!
One of my favorite experiences when going Raw was the cleansing and detox aspect. Not everyone agrees with me on this. Sure, it can be a painful experience for some people. I was no exception. I had my share of headaches, pain, snotty nose, skin rashes, lethargy, and horrible pimples (my face suddenly looked like sandpaper with all the little bumps). I instinctively knew it was detox. I felt enormous relief and satisfaction at seeing it expelled from my body, while also experiencing gratitude for being smart enough to eat healthier (especially now that I saw what I was carrying around inside).
Frankly, I was a little shocked that my detox was as tough as it was. I had, after all, been vegan for about 2 years when I started incorporating more Raw. Wasn’t that enough? Apparently not. Hhmmmm…I guess I needed something stronger (Raw vegan) to shake loose the abundance of toxins I ingested prior to my vegan lifestyle (protein shakes for competitive bodybuilding, overloaded amounts of caffeine, prescriptions, cholesterol, conventionally grown produce full of pesticides and herbicides, and meat (even though it was grilled, broiled, or poached made no difference, it was unhealthy).
Bottom line – My detox was liberating, exhilarating, arduous and glorious. It was worth it. I felt free!
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Food & Physical Activity
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More Love For Hot Peppers
You know by now that I love hot peppers. It’s not only the endorphin rush that makes them fun, but they’re healthy, too. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications claims recent lab tests showed capsaicin (chili-pepper-derived compound) can kill cancer cells by attacking their energy source – without hurting healthy cells nearby. Plus, their anti-inflammatory action can help arthritis, and according to herbalist, Rosemary Gladstar, the concentration of vitamins help support immune function. Gotta love nature!
For some laughs, check out this video…looks like something I would do – Red Hot News
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Cosmic Carrots with Deviled Mango Dressing
Cosmic Carrots with Deviled Mango Dressing
Dressing Yield 1 1/2 cups
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons raw olive oil
- 2 tablespoons raw coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon organic white wine
- 1 mango, peeled, pitted, and chopped
- 2 dates, pitted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Himalayan crystal salt
- 1/8 teaspoon red Limo pepper or cayenne pepper
- 2 carrots, sliced into thin rounds, using a mandoline or v-slicer
- Garnish: 2-4 leaves fresh basil, chopped
Blend all of the ingredients together (except the carrots and basil) until creamy. Drizzle a few tablespoons of the dressing over the sliced carrots. Garnish with a few leaves of fresh basil.