15 Green Smoothies

Here’s why I love the Boutenko’s. It couldn’t be an easier than this to get your greens in.

 

July Raw Food Challenge

With the summer months heating up and making me feel so much better, I’m very motivated to get back to my Raw Routine. I lost my game this past winter but have taken on new life with the help of our friend the Sun, Green Drinks and exercise.

I have a sense of renewed motivation with my reaction to the scale last week along with the decline of Dad’s Health.

Some of you may remember he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in late 2009. He’s a great man, but very set in his ways and continues to be stubborn about his intake of whole foods. Of course it’s not just him, but my mother is the one who prepares the meals and even though I don’t like to point fingers I must say that it’s not that hard to “hide” the veggies in the food you make. In fact, I have found it really easy to incorporate tons of fruit and veggies in ways that my kids eat it with no problem.

It’s not all good. I have had my share of trial and error recipes with the Raw Food uncookbooks and my discerning family’s palate, but I’m not asking my dad to try elaborate raw meals. What I want here is WHOLE FOOD NUTRITION. You know…like what grows…can be picked….doesn’t have to be prepared much if at all. At the very least buying a bag of spinach and freeze it then blend up a handful with some frozen fruit. To me it’s simple. I know it’s not a cure but when you have almost zero fruits and vegetables daily, your energy, clarity and function shut down. In his case it’s worse because he is on medication that is causing severe side effects and he really needs all the help he can get. In the last 2 weeks, he has fallen and rushed to the Emergency room receiving a total of 10 stitches in his face. The falling is absolutely tragic to witness and humiliating and painful for him to endure. He is reluctantly now using a cane after much urging. His brain isn’t communicating with his limbs and so he begins to fall and with his arms by his sides he can not react to the fall until after it happens. So, with it progressing so quickly I really want to help any way I can aside from buying him a football helmet to wear ☺

Since I am still learning about how to help, I would love to hear any advice you may have for this journey. In the meantime, my Raw Food Challenge will last until the end of July. Who’s joining me?

♥RawMa

 

Dextoxing with Raw Foods and Colon Hydrotherapy

Once you’ve spent any amount of time diving into improving your health, eventually you’ll realize that no matter what you put into your body, it all needs to come out as well.

A really good cleanse does a body good. I always do an annual cleanse almost like a spring cleaning but for my body. I love the way I feel so light after a cleanse. Last year I did several cleanses over a period of months that worked for certain parts of my body. I began with a liver cleanse that lasted for 2 weeks, then moved on to a heavy metal cleanse, kidney, gallbladder, lymph and colon. My thought on the order of the cleanse made sense to me at the time, but I began with the liver and ended with it as well since I knew I would be flushing it with more toxins as the cleanse continued for other parts of the body. I thought maybe if I did the liver first, it would be able to process out the series of toxins to follow easier.

I’m about to begin a new cleanse and this time, I am considering a good whole body cleanse, but my main intention is to cleanse and build my digestion in a way that will benefit me for a longer period of time. Naturally Raw Foods assists in cleansing the body from toxins. It’s high fiber content and enzymes act as a broom to sweep away toxins. I feel the need to help it further along, so I will also be going to see a Certified Colon Hydrotherapist. I had a great once back in Valencia, CA but since I’m in Oregon now, I’ll have to do some homework on the local hydrotherapists and get a good referral ahead of time. DO NOT go to a therapist who isn’t certified in some manner for this process. If you haven’t been before, it can be a little intimidating and it’s nice to have someone with a good bedside manner who has the experience to back it up.

I’ve also heard about the coffee enema but haven’t tried it yet. Why not wheatgrass or spirulina? Just wondering why of all things a coffee enema? Guess I have some research to do.

I’ve been asked a lot about the Master Cleanse. I have friends who swear by it and certainly loose weight and toxins with the plan, but I personally haven’t been able to stick to it for more than a couple of days. Some people are more focused than me and can totally handle it. I prefer to cleanse a little daily as well with lots of lemon juice and I add cayenne to my water during winter months.

Here’s a handy tip for you. Last winter I had a nagging cough in the middle of the night and I was able to relieve it only with some liquid cayenne in warm water. I gargled then swallowed the water and it went away. It also warmed me up a bit. I get my liquid cayenne from HerbFarm. It’s available at most natural food stores. I love to use it in sauces also because it can blend easier than the powder but you have to be careful with how much you use since it’s so potent.

That’s it about the cleanse so…bottoms up!

~RawMa

 

Edible and Non- Edible Flowers

I’ve been wondering about which flowers I could add to my raw feasts. They look beautiful and taste delicious too. I was thrilled when I opened an e-mail this morning and a new raw friend had sent out a wonderful list of edible flowers.

Joz wrote:
Organic edible flowers are not just for salads and garnish. I love using them in smoothies, too! Did you know that organic edible flowers are rich in nectar and pollen (studies have shown pollen to be nutritious with minerals and vitamins). Roses, especially rose hips, are very high in vitamin C. Dandelion blossoms (and yellow flowers, in general) have plenty of vitamin A, while the leaves are loaded with iron, calcium, phosophorous and vitamins A and C. Marigolds and Nasturtium have vitamin C.

Other herb flowers-The tiny flowering blooms of the
following spices are edible: anise, basil, bee balm, chives, coriander
(cilantro), dill, fennel, garlic, oregano, rosemary, and thyme.

* Borage blossoms (Borago officinalis)-Tiny blue flowers have
slight cucumber flavor.
* Calendula flowers (Calendula officinalis)-Also known as “pot
marigolds”, multi-colored blooms with a peppery taste. Sometimes
called “poor man’s saffron”
* Carnation flowers (Dianthus caryophyllus)-Red, pink, and
white blossoms with clove taste.
* Chamomile flowers (Chamaemilum nobile)-Daisy-like flowers
with a slight hint of apple flavor. Especially good for parrots when
calming influence is needed.
* Chives (Allium schoenoprasum)-the lavander-pink pom pom
flower is actually composed of many small florets. Flowers have a mild
onion flavor.
* Daisies (Bellis perennis)-Yellow and white flowers with
light mint or clover flavor. Flowers
* Dandelion flowers – pictured (Taraxacum officinale)-Small
yellow blossoms have honey flavor when picked young. Older flowers are
bitter but my Eclectus parrots do not seem to notice. Also offer the
dandelion leaves which are an excellent source of nutrition.
* Day lilies (Hemerocallis)-Many colored blossoms with sweet
taste and crunchy lettuce texture. Flower buds and blossoms can be
consumed at all stages of growth. Note: Many lilies (Lillium species)
contain alkaloids and are NOT safe for parrots or people.
* Elderberry flowers (Sambucus canadensis)-Sweet tasting
flowers. For colds and chills, Gypsies mix elderberry flowers, yarrow
and peppermint and steep in boiling water for 13 minutes, and drink
tea frequently.
* Gladiolus (Gladiolus spp.)Flowers of many colors grow on a
spike with flowers above each other, all usually facing the same way.
Has lettuce texture and flavor.
* Hibiscus flowers (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis)-Tropical blossoms
in a variety of colors have slightly acidic taste. One of the favorite
flowers of most parrot species.
* Honeysuckle flowers (Japanese Lonicera japonica)-Small white
to yellow trumpet-shaped blossoms are sweet and delicious. Parrots
relish these flowers and the Loridae family of birds especially loves
the honeysuckle nectar. Only the Japanese honeysuckle is edible and
only the blooms should be used as the berries are extremely poisonous.
Offer only the flowers so that no berries on the vines will
accidentally be eaten.
* Impatiens (Impatiens wallerana)-Multi-color small blooms
with mild taste.
* Johnny-Jump-Up flowers–(Viola tricolor) Yellow, violet, and
lavender flowers with wintergreen flavor. Leaves are also edible and
contain vitamin C.
* Lilac (Syringa vulgaris)–Lavender blossoms have heavy
floral fragrance and lemon flavor.
* Marigolds flowers (Tagetes signata pumila)-Bright yellow and
orange flowers with citrus flavor.
* Milk thistle (Silybum marianum)-Purple flowers are edible as
well as leaves and seeds which are known for benefits to liver.
* Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus)–Red, yellow, and orange
flowers have a tangy, peppery flavor and are the most popular of all
edible flowers. Leaves can be eaten too.
* Pansies (Viola X Wittrockiana)-Purple, white, yellow
bi-color blooms have a sweet, tart flavor. Flowers
* Passionflowers – pictured (Passifloraceae – passion flower
family)–Passiflora caerulea and Passiflora edulis are two of the
hundreds of varieties. Some vines produce large greenish white and
purple blossoms and then orange or purple edible fruit, depending upon
the variety of the plant. *See website below with information and
photos of 200 Passionflower varieties.
* Roses (Rosa spp)-Some of the tastiest rose varieties are
Rosa xdamascena, Rosa gallica, and Rosa rugosa, Flower carpet rose,
Double Delight, Mirandy, and Tiffany variety. Roses have a slight
fruity flavor.
* Sage (Salvia officinalis)-Lavender-blue flower spikes grow
only on the culinary variety. The variegated species of sage do not
flower. Flowers have distinctive sage flavor.
* Other herb flowers-The tiny flowering blooms of the
following spices are edible: anise, basil, bee balm, chives, coriander
(cilantro), dill, fennel, garlic, oregano, rosemary, and thyme.
* Sunflowers (Helianthus)–Many varieties but most have yellow
leaves around a “black eye” center. Mature flowers contain the seed
that all parrots find so irresistible!
* Tree flowers-Parrots can be offered the flowering blooms of
the following trees: Apple, bottlebrush, citrus (orange, lemon, lime,
grapefruit, kumquat), eucalyptus, melaleuca, and plum.
* Tulips (Tulipa spp.)-Multi-color flowers with crisp, cucumber taste.
* Vegetable flowers-Butterblossom squash flowers have slight
squash taste. Zucchini flowers,
podded pea flowers (ornamental peas
are poisonous),
okra, pumpkin, and runner bean flowers are edible.
* Violets (Viola odorata)-Deep violet and white color with
sweet wintergreen taste.

Some of the NON-EDIBLE’S and possibly poisonous are:
Azalea
Azaleas are flowering shrubs from the Rhododendron family whose stems grow just one flower. Azaleas can be particularly poisonous to animals. Symptoms of poisoning after ingesting azaleas include vomiting, diarrhea, hyper-salivation, weakness, coma and hypotension.
Black Locust
Black Locust is a large, deciduous tree with pea-like white flowers. It can be toxic in large quantities if ingested and may cause depression, weakness, dilated pupils, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, weak pulse, coldness of arms and legs, paleness and shock.
Buttercup
Buttercups are yellow perennials and can be found throughout the US. They can be toxic if eaten in large amounts or cause a minor skin irritation. Symptoms of poisoning by a Buttercup include skin redness, burning sensation and blisters around the area that had contact with the sap.
Calla Lily
Calla lilies are often found in floral settings in homes and at weddings. While beautiful, a calla lily can be fatal if ingested. Calla lilies are tall with white bulbs. Signs of poisoning include burning and swelling lips, tongue and throat. Sometimes, stomach pain and diarrhea will also present.
Daffodil
Daffodils are yellow, innocent-looking flowers. However, if ingested in large quantities, they can be poisonous and even fatal. Signs of poisoning include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, salivation, trembling and convulsions. Daffodils may also cause severe skin irritation.
Mistletoe
Mistletoe is an evergreen with white and pink berries. The berries can cause nausea in large amounts, but a few are generally not toxic. Eating other parts of the plant can cause problems however, such as difficulty with vision and convulsions.
Morning Glory
Morning Glories are commonly found in gardens and can be found in many colors, including white, blue and purple. Morning glories are not as poisonous as other flowers, but still shouldn’t be ingested. Their seeds can cause hallucinations, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, drowsiness, numbness and muscle tightness.
Poinsettia
Many people are familiar with the popular Christmas plant, the Poinsettia. Its red petals are hard to confuse with any other plant. Poinsettias are mildly poisonous to humans but can be deadly to animals. Symptoms of poisoning include stomach pain with vomiting and diarrhea.
Wisteria
Wisteria is a beautiful climbing plant with white, blue or purple flowers. If a large amount is ingested it may cause nausea, vomiting, stomach pain and diarrhea. the poisonous species can cause health problems for animals, including dogs, cats and horses, as well as human beings.

**THIS IS NOT A COMPLETE LIST, SO PLEASE USE CAUTION AND DO YOUR RESEARCH BEFORE EATING ANY PLANTS YOU ARE NOT 100% SURE WILL BE SAFE FOR YOU**

Peace,
RawMa

 

RAW CHOCOLATE CHERRY TART

 

COCONUT KEFIR

 

Getting the “Glow” LIVING RAW FOOD

I Just got my latest Raw/Living Uncook Book in the mail and I am so excited. I’ve been wanting to get this one for months now. Sometimes I loiter around Barnes & Noble, or Bloomsbury Books in Ashland reading through the Health section, or flipping through raw books that I don’t already have. Since I’m on a bartering, exchange kick right now, I’ve decided not to purchase anything new unless I can trade for it. I’ve always enjoyed a good bargain, but this is a new level of creativity for me.

Here’s a perfect example- Since we’re prepping for an upcoming move, I’m in clean out – purge mode. We just don’t need some of the items we have. I had been wanting a cruiser bicycle for some time. I decided to post a barter trade on Craigslist and to my suprise, I had a new beach cruiser within 48 hours! My son and I went for a nice early ride this morning. I haven’t owned a bike in over 15 years, so this is really a treat for me.

Back to the book…I sold some books on Amazon and used that money to get this new book. YEAH! Sarma Melngailis writes in a way that makes you feel like Raw is easy, which it is but sometimes it looks complicated in how it’s presented. I haven’t been to New York, but when I go I will definately grab some food at her restaurant PURE FOOD AND WINE. I’m looking forward to making some of her Congo Bars and Coconut-Lime Cookies. I’ve lent out my dehydrator to a friend, so in the meantime, I’ll be making her KEY LIME PIE SHAKE for breakfast. Try it with me.

KEY LIME PIE SHAKE
1 1/2 cups fresh apple juice (3 apples any variety)
1/2 c fresh squeezed lime juice (3 limes)
1 ripe avocado
2 bananas
1 tsp vanilla extract (or fresh vanilla bean seeds)
2 Tbsp agave

Puree all ingredients in a blender and enjoy!

 

The Truth about Fruit & Veggies

A
sliced Carrot looks like the human eye.
The pupil, iris and radiating lines look
just like the human eye… And YES, science now
shows carrots greatly enhance blood flow
to and function of the eyes.

A
Tomato has four chambers and is red. The
heart has four chambers and is red. All of the
research shows tomatoes
are loaded with lycopine and are indeed pure
heart and blood food.

Grapes hang
in a cluster that has the shape of the heart.
Each grape looks like a blood cell and all of
the research today shows grapes are also
profound heart and blood vitalizing
food.

A Walnut looks like a little
brain, a left and right hemisphere, upper
cerebrums and lower cerebellums. Even the
wrinkles or folds on the nut are just like
the neo-cortex. We now know walnuts help develop
more than three (3) dozen
neuron-transmitters for brain
function.

Kidney
Beans actually heal and help maintain kidney
function and yes, they look exactly like the
human kidneys.

Celery, Bok Choy, Rhubarb and many
more look just like bones. These foods
specifically target bone strength. Bones are 23%
sodium and these foods are 23% sodium. If you
don’t have enough sodium in your diet, the body
pulls it from the bones, thus making them
weak. These foods replenish the skeletal
needs of the body.

Avocadoes,
Eggplant and Pears target the health and
function of the womb and cervix of the female –
they look just like these organs. Today’s
research shows that when a woman eats one
avocado a week, it balances hormones, sheds
unwanted birth weight, and prevents cervical
cancers. And how profound is this? It
takes exactly nine (9) months to grow an avocado
from blossom to ripened fruit. There are over
14,000 photolytic chemical constituents of
nutrition in each one of these foods (modern
science has only studied and named about 141 of
them).

Figs
are full of seeds and hang in twos when they
grow. Figs increase the mobility of male
sperm and increase the numbers of Sperm as well
to overcome male sterility.

Sweet Potatoes look
like the pancreas and actually balance the
glycemic index of diabetics.

Olives assist
the health and function of the
ovaries

Oranges, Grapefruits,
and other Citrus fruits look just like the
mammary glands of the female and actually assist
the health of the breasts and the movement of
lymph in and out of the breasts.

Onions look
like the body’s cells. Today’s research shows
onions help clear waste materials from all of
the body cells. They even produce tears which
wash the epithelial layers of the eyes. A
working companion, Garlic, also helps eliminate
waste materials and dangerous free radicals from
the body.

 

Raw Food Menu Week 1

I thought I’d give you an idea of what my first few days at High Raw looked like.

Day 1

Smoothie: spinach, coconut water, banana, kelp

Snack in the car: almonds & goji berries

Lunch: veggie burger on veggie bread (I prepared and dehydrated the night before) w/ lettuce, raw mustard and raw ketchup

Snack: squash chips, flax crackers, 1 apple

Dinner: I really wasn’t hungry, but I had a small salad and 1/2 cup of a smoothie.

Day 2

I juiced ginger/cucumber & 2 carrots then added a frozen banana, spinach and maca to make a delicious smoothie

Snack: almonds & lemon water

Lunch: small salad w/ veggie burber

Snack: 2 vanilla macroons (I made the night before) & 1 small banana

Dinner: squash spaghetti w/ tomato garlic sauce

Day 3

I woke up late so I took a small salad to eat on the way to work

Lunch: veggie burger/veggie bread/lettuce/tomato

Snack: smoothie ~ blueberries/banana/horsetail/maca/dates & juice pulp from day 2 am drink

cayenne flax crackers

just before dinner: almond bar (I made day prior)

walk in the park

Dinner: Jicama/lime nori wrap

I really got hooked on the veggie burgers. They were so filling and nutrient dense that it gave me a ton of energy and kept me full.

 

30 Day Raw Challenge Update

Well, this is day 6 of my 30 days at high raw of 100%.

I’m feeling great and my digestion is getting better too. Yesterday I was really tired. That was a combination of lack of sleep and detoxing I’ve been enjoying a wide array of raw dishes and trying new recipies each day.

I can’t wait to test what’s in the dehydrator as I plan my week ahead. There are so many great dishes to make. If you have one you’d like to submit, I will post it on RawMa’s Blog

~RawMa