Day 80: Celebrites Gone Raw!

Day 80 - it has a nice ring to it, don't you think??

Those who know me know that I have an obsession with fashion, clothing and sometimes celebrities - they kind of go hand in hand.  I am not proud to say that I could tell you who wore what to almost anywhere but it's the story of my game ... so I embrace it!  My sister and I play a game called 'scooped' that whoever is the first to call each other with celebrity news gets scooped - yes, I race to the phone the second something happens to anyone of 'scooping' worthy to my sister. 

So I thought - just like I look in magazines to see who is wearing what - I am also curious to know who is eating what.  I was amazed at some and others were a no brainer ... but still interesting either way!

Donna Karan, the women's clothing designer, is a famous raw foodist who lost 20 pounds and has drawn a lot of attention to the diet due to how awesome she looks.  Does this give me the 'green' light to buy more of her clothing, I think so!!!

Demi Moore has been on raw foods for a long time and looks it. Her fab raw body in Charlie's Angels helped to spread the raw food diet far and wide, making her one of the most famous raw foodists, showing that raw vegan weight loss really works as a permanent and joyful weight loss lifefstyle.  She also does p90x, she's a mad woman!

Supermodel Carol Alt is one of the most well known famous raw foodists, she is totally raw and openly promotes and teaches the lifestyle.  She also has written a few books about eating raw.  I never had the pleasure of meeting her in my years of working in the modeling industry but have stood near her and she beams full of light.  Now I am convinced it's all of the green!

Alicia Silverstone has known about raw foods for a while, she has been vegan forever. Apparently she is mostly raw now and has her amazing book, The Kind Diet.  Ok - yes, I love the movie Clueless and wanted to be her.  There, I said it.

Former US President Bill Clinton recently confirmed that he is indeed eating a mainly vegan/raw diet. In the interview, the former president explains the reason behind his decision to go vegan.  I found this impressive!

Other celebrities that have embraced the raw foods lifestyle in some form include Woody Harrelson, Pierce Brosnan, Daryl Hannah, Susan Sarandon, Cher, Margaret Cho, Angela Bassett, Steve Jobs, and Edward Norton.

HAPPY GREEN!

Day 77: Family Recipes!

Happy Sunday ... what a weekend!  Who knew it was spring but hopefully warm weather will soon be around the corner.

I had to share a yummy new recipe I received over the weekend from my sister in law - I'll let you know how it tastes but it reads y.u.m.m.y. and it will be my lunch tomorrow for sure!

Here goes:

Avocado Duo with Carrots and Beets

2 carrots, freshly grated

2 medium sized beets, freshly grated

1 stalk celery, chopped

5-6 red onion rings

1 avocado, halved

Grapefruit segments for garnish

Dressing:

1 tbsp. fresh parley and mint, freshly chopped

3 tbsp flax seed oil

Juice half a lemon

Tamari soy sauce

Mix together all of the dressing ingredients. Toss carrots, beets, celery and onion in the dressing.  Serve on avocado halves garnished with grapefruit halves and a slice of lemon.

Thanks for the avocado-lishish recipe ... you know the way to my heart ♥  Miss you guys a TON!

                                              Sister in Law and Bro 

 HAPPY GREEN!

Day 73: Exciting GIVEAWAY and more!

Happy Spring to everyone and Happy Sunshine! It is spring break here so we are LOVING the sunshine and warmer weather - skinned knees and good nights sleep are back!  What a great time to feel good and healthy ...

I am so happy to say that blogging has brought such joy and surprises to my life lately that you will witness over the next few months...

First is a GIVEAWAY, who doesn't like something FREE?!  For those that live in Springfield, 417-Land it is TWO (not one!) but TWO $20 gift cards to the one and only Mama Jeans!  

Mama Jeans  is where I get almost all of my green groceries and more ... so here's what you have to do to get this great giveaway!

1. Sign up as a 'follower' of my blog - I know, I know ... my mom always told me to be a leader and not a follower but here's and exception. click here

2. Become a fan of Mama Jeans on Facebook (and mention Raw for a Reason if you would be so nice!) click here

You have until April 1st to sign up and I will choose two lucky readers to go shopping at Mama Jeans!  Thank you Mama Jeans for this great perk of eating raw ... xoxo to you!

And sign up anyway because I have national retailers watching the progression of the blog and treats in store for all ... and a guest that will be joining us soon (the suspense is killing me already!).

There are more surprises and things to come ... enjoy the beautiful sunshine outside.

HAPPY GREEN!

Day 71: Falling off the Wagon!

Honesty. Perfectly Imperfect. Real. Rollercoaster. 

All of those words are what I am thinking and feeling today because let me tell you ... it was a NON raw weekend that has led to many things today!

The hubby has been traveling A LOT lately and we haven't seen much of him - so this past weekend we took a road trip and went away for the weekend.  

As I was packing I felt myself getting anxious, could I really take my blender, my juicer and a suitcase full of greens with me this weekend? Much less on the airplane, no!  But I thought I would make do ... 

That was until the girls started to get hungry on the road and we stopped for dinner. The girls and hubby ordered their dinner and I felt myself slowly sinking in my booth ... yes, places on side of the highway are booth worthy!  I sat there drinking my water and nibbling on the girls veggies (on their pizza mind you) and broke out into a song and dance to the hubby how I was nervous about the weekend with all of my eating these days.  He as always, calmed me down, shed light to the bigger picture and reminded me that not every situation is going to be ideal for the way I am eating - and more so, I didn't want to miss out on a fun weekend by not eating.

So - the madness began.

I ate, and ate, and ate.  You name it - I had it!  Not what you are thinking ... that I was sitting on our hotel bed covered in potato chip crumbs with a chocolate mustache ... but I did have yummy meals and had some desserts along the way!  The thought of the crumbs is pretty funny though!  By day 2 - my head hurt, my face was breaking out, I was soooo tired and all I wanted to do was hug that juicer of mine at home!

We are back at home and I am so thankful and grateful for this journey.  BUT - I had to be honest with myself and those reading that it's okay to fall off the wagon - a few bumps and bruises along the way are what make us stronger.  Like I tell my girls ... 'You're okay, you're strong' - today that is what I am telling myself.

Hope it was a GREEN St Patty's weekend for all!

HAPPY GREEN!

Day 66: A Day in the Life!

Day 66 ... that doesn't sound good to me for some reason but I am choosing to ignore that for now!

I have been asked what I usually eat day in and day out - so I thought I would share it with you.   This can be the most overwhelming part of the starting and going raw but it doesn't have to be and that is why I wanted to share my daily routine.   Not only to show you how easily attainable it can be but also how most of you may already eat this way - hats off to both!

Breakfast

This is a no brainer ... green lemonade or green smoothie!  I honestly wake up looking forward to making my drink and enjoy every sip that goes in my mouth.  Yes, there are some days when I am looking for a little something new - like last week I had more of a fruit smoothie every morning full of strawberries, blueberries and lots of green, green, green.  Variety is good : )

Morning Snack

Bowl of fruit ... and I mean a BOWL not a cup!  Anything and everything that looks yummy, sounds delicious and maybe on sale that week.

Lunch

I usually have a salad for lunch.   Wait, don't stop reading!  Not a boring, run of the mill salad - I try and make it as hearty as I can and as crunchy as I can.  A big bowl full of avocados, tomatoes, fresh greens, carrots, celery, cucumbers, olives with a tangy dressing ... the kind of salad that makes your mouth water and your stomach FULL. 

Afternoon Snack

I will grab a handful of nuts - raw almonds to be exact or a Luna Bar.  I used to be obsessed with Balance Bars.  I had a tear in my eye when I thew out my last box of Balance Bars but was happy to find out that Luna Bars are considered raw and they do have a variety of flavors including chocolate chip cookie dough (thank goodness!)

Dinner

This is where you get creative, or I try to at least!  The possibilities are endless - I love making a raw vegetable sauce over whole wheat noodles, for my kids and husband I will add chicken to their portions.  I've made 'Raw' Lasagna before which is lasagna without the meat and cheese but extra veggies and more sauce, so good.  Portobello mushroom fajitas with whole wheat tortillas are a family favorite too ... again, lots of possibilities!  Also, depending on my day I will enjoy a glass of red wine with dinner and revel in my day with my husband.   And let me tell you - I enjoy dinner more than I ever have in the past - I taste every bite that goes in my mouth and LOVE it.  I think before I ate without even thinking and maybe without chewing!

Evening Snack

Oh how I love chocolate.  Some weeks I can't have it in the house (I'm being honest) but for the most part I have a few 70% cocoa chocolate bars in the fridge and break off a piece for dessert.  Oh how good it tastes.  Milk chocolate will never taste the same!

So ... the day in the life of eating raw - not so bad, right??   I went at it full steam - but that doesn't work for everybody.  I have said a lot lately that being 'raw-ish' is not a bad thing, it is a GREAT thing! Vegan-ish, Raw-ish ... it's all a HUGE step in a healthy direction.  Just like I want to have Taco Tuesdays at my house where we only speak Spanish - have a Raw Monday or even a Raw breakfast and lunch to see if you feel the difference...I bet you do and if so ... let us know!  I am inspired by all of YOU!

HAPPY GREEN!

Day 65: GREEN Blog Love!

This is from my wonderful friend Mollie's blog ...  check it out! AND some yummy smoothies for you and the kiddies.  And follow her at:

 

Mascara Meets Matchbox 

 

Thanks for the ♥ Mollie ... xoxo    

Smoothie kick

I'm totally on a smoothie kick these days.

I have completely been inspired by my girlfriend Erin who has decided to eat a raw food diet for an entire year! Seriously, talk about dedication. Eating raw is SO good for you; the health benefits are numerous.

I have been doing smoothies for breakfast and lunch for a few weeks now, and trying to eat a healthy vegetable-heavy dinner as well. I've been learning a heck of a lot about how to do this via Erin's blog, Raw for a Reason. You must stop by if you are at all interested......she has some fantastic recipes on there that you would honestly be surprised by! I have surprised myself by really loving these, and so has my family.

Here is a yummy smoothie that is so good and good for you....I'll try to share more as I find more!

Kale-apple smoothie

Time: 5 min

Serves 1, so double if you are making for your kiddos too!

Ingredients:

3/4C chopped kale (thick stems removed)

1 small stalk celery (chopped)

1/2 banana

1/2 cup 100% apple juice

1/2 c ice

1 T fresh lemon juice

Blend until smooth and frothy!

And here is my husband's favorite, and my son's too....

Strawberry Flax Smoothie

Time: 5 min

Serves 1, so double if making for kids too!

Ingredients:

1 C frozen strawberries

3/4 C plain low-fat yogurt

1/2 C fresh orange juice

1 T honey

1 T flax seed meal

Blend until smooth and frothy!

Note:  this one does not qualify as 'raw' b/c of the milk......so maybe instead of milk do almond milk or coconut water??

Enjoy!

Day 59: I couldn't resist!

I had to share a few things today, like I said - I couldn't resist!

I told you the story how my husband came back from a trip and offered my chalupas - the saga continues ...

He has been out of town for roughly 3 weeks now and just got back last night - this time he came bearing gifts ... 'green' gifts in fact.  I love my husband dearly ... but I guess his 'green' and my 'green' are a little off these days! 

He brought me ...

 

Green Ice cream 

and 

 

Green Flowers!

BUT ... Let me say - there are NO complaints in this household ... beggars can't be choosers.  And no, I didn't eat the ice cream - maybe some this weekend!

On a different note, I made a YUMMY salad yesterday - super quick and easy and the girls loved it.  You know how I love my avocados!  Here it is:

Mango Avocado Salad

Ingredients
2 Ripe Mangoes, peeled, pitted and chopped
1 Large Avocado, peeled, pitted and chopped
1 Tablespoon Lime Juiced
2 Teaspoons Olive Oil
1 Tablespoon Cilantro Leaves
1 Tablespoon Black Sesame Seeds

 

Directions
Hand mix all of the ingredients together and serve.

 

HAPPY GREEN!  

Day 54: Friday Delight!

Happy Friday!  I am trying new recipes this week as you know - but today called for a little bit of a treat, two in fact!  I will admit that I l.o.v.e desserts - and we all have to indulge a little to keep us on track.

So here goes ... ENJOY!!!!

Raw Key Lime Pie

Crust:

1 ½ cup pecans

1 cup walnuts

1/3 cup mixture of dates

(medjool, barhi, etc) & monuka raisins

¼ cup of coconut oil/butter

Dash of sea salt

Base Filling:

3 large avocados

1 large young coconut (use extracted meat)

1 tablespoon of young coconut water

3 tablespoons of cashew butter (raw)

2 large limes (juice of)

½ cup of agave nectar (sweeten to taste)

1 teaspoon of almond or vanilla extract

Dash of sea salt

Shredded coconut flakes and grinded lime rinds for garnish

Preparation:

For crust, in food processor or high speed blender, process nuts.  Next add dates, raisins, coconut oil/butter, and salt.  Process until ball forms.  Press crust into pie dish and set aside.

For filling, in food processor or high speed blender, process all ingredients.  Once smooth and creamy, pour into crust.  Place pie in freezer for 3 hours or until set.  Allow to thaw before serving.

Garnish with grated lime rinds and coconut.

Raw Blueberry Pie

Crust:
1 cup raw walnuts
1/2 pitted dates
1 tsp organic vanilla
1/2 tsp organic ground cinnamon
pinch of Celtic sea salt

Process all the above ingredients in a food processor. Mix until smooth. Press into a pie dish and put into fridge to harden. 

Filling:
4 cups organic fresh blueberries
1 tbsp agave nectar

Puree filling ingredients in food processor.
Pour into chilled crust. 

Chill for at least 2 hours in the fridge. 

Happy Green & Happy Weekend!

Day 53: Recipe Time!

Happy Day to all!  It's another recipe day...

I have tried to keep my recipes easy yet delicious all at the same time.  There is nothing worse (I think) than coming across a great recipe then reading the ingredient list to realize you will have to go not only go to the grocery store but also spend lots of $$ on spices you don't own, much less a cart full of groceries for one recipe. So ... hopefully these are recipes that you enjoy and can use items already in your kitchen.  Or next time you're at the store - buy a few of the items listed for staples and you'll use them...I promise!

Today's Recipe

Spinach/Cannellini Pasta Power Meal

(serves 4-5) 

12 oz. curly rainbow veggie pasta (or any whole wheat pasta)
3-4 cups  spinach, chopped
15 oz. can of cannellini beans, drained
3/4 cup Nutritional Yeast flakes (optional)
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/2 tsp sea salt
2 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2 Tbsp lemon juice
garnish: red pepper flakes

Directions:

1. Boil salted water. Add pasta.

2. Two minutes before pasta is done, toss in the beans.

3. Drain water.

4. Fold in your greens - toss well until heated/wilted.

5. Fold in your flavors. You can use pasta sauce, veggie puree or a simple nutritional yeast sauce like the one in this recipe.

6. Serve warm or store in fridge for easy grab and go lunches/dinners.

 

 

 

I am hoping most of you are saying right now, 'pasta??' - she can't have pasta!  Guess what, YES I can!  It's all about the food combinations and as long as eating pasta (whole wheat pasta) in the evening and there are no fleshes (chicken, fish) then it's a raw way of eating that by morning my body will have properly digested it and it's a clean/raw day to start all over for another great day!

 

 

Happy Green! 

Day 51: New Recipe - It's chili time!

Happy March! It is sunny outside and we are all smiles today ☺  Here are some things that I picked up at the store today for my YUMMY cooking all week long... just want you to see how colorful and easy it can be!

I know I said it's sunny and spring is approaching so making chili may sound crazy ... but it's not a warm chili like you are thinking, it's refreshing and filling.   AND a beauty of it is I have leftovers which are perfect for lunches and dinners while the hubby is traveling.  This is quick and easy to make (a plus!) and you can throw things in your food processor if you don't want to do all of the chopping.

On today's menu

Tomato Chili with Taco Nut Meat (Ani Phyo)

TOMATO CHILI

• 3 cup tomatoes, chop
• 1 cup red bell pepper, chop
• 1/4 cup celery, chop
• 1/4 cup yellow onion, chop
• 1/3 cup mushroom, chop
• 1/3 c corn kernels
• 1 teaspoon garlic, mince
• 1 – 2 teaspoon chili powder, to taste
• 1 teaspoon cumin, powder
• 3/4 teaspoon oregano, fresh or dry
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt, to taste

Place all ingredients into a large mixing bowl, toss to mix well.  Place half of your mixture into your food processor or blender and puree. Scoop back into bowl with mixture and toss to mix well.

NUT MEAT TOPPING

• 1 cup walnuts
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon cumin, powder
• 2 teaspoons coriander, powder
• 1 teaspoon bragg’s or nama shoyu, or 1/4 teaspoon sea salt, to taste

Place all ingredients into your food processor, and process into small pieces.  To serve, scoop raw Tomato Chili into bowls. Top with Taco Nut Meat. Enjoy.  Tomato Chili will keep for 1-2 days in fridge. Taco Nut Meat will keep for a week or more.

DRUM ROLL PLEASE ...

HAPPY GREEN!