Following a conversation with my mother Saturday night, I have been trying to articulate the importance of different types of calories, if for no other reason than so I can formulate a standard answer to the question, "Does it matter where calories come from?" Yes, it does. But not simply for reasons of weight gain.
There are calories from protein, calories from fat, and calories from sugar (or carbs). They are listed separately on a nutrition panel, because they are separate. And that matters.
The number of calories you take in, relative to the number of calories expended, ultimately determines your overall body mass. "A calorie is a calorie."
But calories are not bad things. A "calorie" is a unit of measurement for energy (it's used in electricity, too). We need calories, and the average adult needs between 1800-2400 in order to maintain his/her weight. To lose weight, the consumption of 1200-1800 calories is recommended. This, of course, depends on your level of physical activity.
All that aside, however, there is a national guideline regarding the percentage of calories that "should" come from protein, fat, and carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are the body's preferred source of energy (longest-sustained and most efficiently utilized). But you want complex carbs (fruits, vegetables, grains), not simple carbs (refined sugars, starches). And this is where most calories should come from for optimal health. Calories from simple carbs are stored as fat, while calories from complex carbs are burned as energy and used to build muscle and tissue.
Next are calories from protein. But again, there is a difference between animal protein and plant protein. The beauty of plant protein is that it is also packed with micronutrients that animal protein doesn't have (fiber being an important one in weight loss, both because it helps burn calories AND helps curb hunger by filling you up quickly and for a long time). Animal protein is devoid of micronutrients, but comes complete with fat (mostly saturated) and cholesterol (which is not found in plant foods). So, if you take in 100 calories from protein in a burger, you're also getting an additional whopping serving of calories from fat, plus dietary cholesterol. If you take in 100 calories from plant protein, those are the only calories you're getting (so you can eat a lot more!), no dietary cholesterol, and, depending on the veggies you eat, an insignificant amount of fat (if any). It's simply more bang for your buck.
Last should be calories from fat. About 10% of your calories should come from unsaturated fat (not saturated or trans). Animal products are mostly saturated, and processed foods often have transfats (synthetic).
So in short (finally), the reason "it matters where your calories come from" is that it's not just about balancing intake with outflow for weight loss/maintenance, it's about being healthy and feeling good and, above all, being satisfied. Knowing that I can eat all day, every day, without ever feeling stuffed,l and without ever consuming more than a reasonably healthy amount of calories, gives me an unmatched sense of freedom in my food choices.
Vegans never count calories. Ask them. They don't have to. We get really full long before we've reached our maximum calorie intake.
In conclusion, if you are on a whole foods, plant-based diet, you'll eat more bulk and less calories. You'll eat more fiber and other vital micronutrients, and less fat and cholesterol. And that's why it matters
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Thursday, March 24, 2011
A Gluten-Free Journey
Hey All!
I hope springtime has found you in good spirits and good health, after a long, cold, gray winter! Spring has definitely sprung here, complete with songbirds, blossoms, luscious green grass, and community gardening! But this post has nothing to do with new life, per se, or the newly accessible abundance of fresh, local fruits and veggies! Nope. This post is about my currentexperiment adventure with a gluten-free diet!
Gluten-free seems to be all the rage these days; gluten sensitivities, gluten intolerance, and celiac disease are cropping up like dandelions! So, what's all the hype?
I first heard of celiac disease while working at a landmark Cajun eatery in the mountains of Banner Elk, NC. The owner's father suffered from the condition, so on nights when he and his wife joined us for dinner, the kitchen crew had to take special care not to include any items containing wheat gluten in his dinner fare. I never questioned it or looked into it, I simply accommodated it, because it was my job.
Two years later, my staunch vegetarian father and his wife abandoned their ethically healthy diet regimen for wild game and fish, in light of my step-mother's recent discovery of her own gluten intolerance. Evidently, the vast majority of soy-based meat replacement products contain gluten. I have yet to find an exception, other than most brands of tofu (I prefer Twin Oaks, because it's worker-owned and operated, local, organic, and not mass-produced).
Still, I was unmoved.
Similar to my raw-foods revelation, one day recently, I was unwittingly inspired to research the possible link between psoriasis/eczema and gluten. To my surprise, there are mounds of forums, articles, and studies related to this topic available online. As you may recall from an earlier post, I have been battling an unnamed skin condition for nearly 16 years, with minor success at alleviating the symptoms with the use of topical ointments, creams, gels, and steroids. But nothing was permanent, except the discomfort.
After having successfully eliminated animal proteins (flesh, eggs, and dairy) from my diet, and eating predominantly raw, wholly organic foods, I was at a loss as to what the root cause might be. There is always a root cause, genetics or not, and environment/diet is usually it.
So, I'm giving gluten a go-go! Within the first wheat-free week, I experienced immediate and dramatic improvement in my skin condition: it went away completely. This includes rashes in and around my ears, and under my eyes. An added benefit, which I later connected to this dietary change, was a noticeable increase in energy and an improved disposition. I also, inadvertently, lost 6 lbs, presumably due to my decreased consumption of bread and pasta...and cookies. :) - we will revisit this a bit later in the post...
A friend of mine, who has celiac disease, confirmed my suspicions that going gluten free was to credit for these many changes. She also suffered anxiety and depression, before being diagnosed, and has since been taken off of her many medications and dismissed from routine therapy. This gave me an idea!
After a successful week of gluten freedom, I suggested an experimental diet for Graham, to address his anxiety, depression, fatigue, and unwanted weight.
According to my family practitioner, it takes approximately 3 months to see the results and/or effects of food allergies in related symptoms incidence. I saw results in a week. But we're sticking it out through June. The next step is to reintroduce wheat gluten at the end of these 3 months, to monitor its effects, if any.
In the meantime, research continues and information abounds. I have since discovered a connection between gluten and behavioral issues in children, ranging from mood swings, anxiety, short attention spans, and temper tantrums, to full-blown ADD/ADHD. There is also a link between gluten and digestive problems, stomach aches, headaches, and abnormal bowel movements, all of which (save the ADD/ADHD and headaches) Emma suffers from! So I think it would be worthwhile to remove gluten from her diet, as well, for the summer (when she's not in school, and I can monitor her diet more closely). Of course, many of these symptoms are also associated with dairy, which she still consumes regularly.
Back to the cookies!
I can't help my sweet tooth (well, I can; I choose not to), and so I am constantly in search of recipes for yummy treats that align with my dietary requirements and restrictions. Right now, it's organic, vegan, and gluten free.
So, today, I invented 2 versions of chocolate chips cookies to satiate my cravings. One is a gluten free, vegan cookie using Bob's Red Mill All Purpose GF Flour, which turned out pretty well, but under par. I may have baked them a little too long, because they were slightly dry. They also have a slightly unpleasant aftertaste, reminiscent of lentils. While the second batch was baking, I tweaked the recipe and made what I deem a pretty darn good cookie! This time, I used Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free Oat Flour, with much success. However, this recipe yielded what can only fairly be called a Vegan, Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Flax Cookie. Say THAT ten times fast! Go here to try it! Bob's Red Mill actually makes a pretty diverse and complete line of gluten free products, so check out their site, if you're interested,
Namaste!
I hope springtime has found you in good spirits and good health, after a long, cold, gray winter! Spring has definitely sprung here, complete with songbirds, blossoms, luscious green grass, and community gardening! But this post has nothing to do with new life, per se, or the newly accessible abundance of fresh, local fruits and veggies! Nope. This post is about my current
Gluten-free seems to be all the rage these days; gluten sensitivities, gluten intolerance, and celiac disease are cropping up like dandelions! So, what's all the hype?
I first heard of celiac disease while working at a landmark Cajun eatery in the mountains of Banner Elk, NC. The owner's father suffered from the condition, so on nights when he and his wife joined us for dinner, the kitchen crew had to take special care not to include any items containing wheat gluten in his dinner fare. I never questioned it or looked into it, I simply accommodated it, because it was my job.
Two years later, my staunch vegetarian father and his wife abandoned their ethically healthy diet regimen for wild game and fish, in light of my step-mother's recent discovery of her own gluten intolerance. Evidently, the vast majority of soy-based meat replacement products contain gluten. I have yet to find an exception, other than most brands of tofu (I prefer Twin Oaks, because it's worker-owned and operated, local, organic, and not mass-produced).
Still, I was unmoved.
Similar to my raw-foods revelation, one day recently, I was unwittingly inspired to research the possible link between psoriasis/eczema and gluten. To my surprise, there are mounds of forums, articles, and studies related to this topic available online. As you may recall from an earlier post, I have been battling an unnamed skin condition for nearly 16 years, with minor success at alleviating the symptoms with the use of topical ointments, creams, gels, and steroids. But nothing was permanent, except the discomfort.
After having successfully eliminated animal proteins (flesh, eggs, and dairy) from my diet, and eating predominantly raw, wholly organic foods, I was at a loss as to what the root cause might be. There is always a root cause, genetics or not, and environment/diet is usually it.
So, I'm giving gluten a go-go! Within the first wheat-free week, I experienced immediate and dramatic improvement in my skin condition: it went away completely. This includes rashes in and around my ears, and under my eyes. An added benefit, which I later connected to this dietary change, was a noticeable increase in energy and an improved disposition. I also, inadvertently, lost 6 lbs, presumably due to my decreased consumption of bread and pasta...and cookies. :) - we will revisit this a bit later in the post...
A friend of mine, who has celiac disease, confirmed my suspicions that going gluten free was to credit for these many changes. She also suffered anxiety and depression, before being diagnosed, and has since been taken off of her many medications and dismissed from routine therapy. This gave me an idea!
After a successful week of gluten freedom, I suggested an experimental diet for Graham, to address his anxiety, depression, fatigue, and unwanted weight.
According to my family practitioner, it takes approximately 3 months to see the results and/or effects of food allergies in related symptoms incidence. I saw results in a week. But we're sticking it out through June. The next step is to reintroduce wheat gluten at the end of these 3 months, to monitor its effects, if any.
In the meantime, research continues and information abounds. I have since discovered a connection between gluten and behavioral issues in children, ranging from mood swings, anxiety, short attention spans, and temper tantrums, to full-blown ADD/ADHD. There is also a link between gluten and digestive problems, stomach aches, headaches, and abnormal bowel movements, all of which (save the ADD/ADHD and headaches) Emma suffers from! So I think it would be worthwhile to remove gluten from her diet, as well, for the summer (when she's not in school, and I can monitor her diet more closely). Of course, many of these symptoms are also associated with dairy, which she still consumes regularly.
Back to the cookies!
So, today, I invented 2 versions of chocolate chips cookies to satiate my cravings. One is a gluten free, vegan cookie using Bob's Red Mill All Purpose GF Flour, which turned out pretty well, but under par. I may have baked them a little too long, because they were slightly dry. They also have a slightly unpleasant aftertaste, reminiscent of lentils. While the second batch was baking, I tweaked the recipe and made what I deem a pretty darn good cookie! This time, I used Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free Oat Flour, with much success. However, this recipe yielded what can only fairly be called a Vegan, Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Flax Cookie. Say THAT ten times fast! Go here to try it! Bob's Red Mill actually makes a pretty diverse and complete line of gluten free products, so check out their site, if you're interested,
Friday, March 18, 2011
Snacking Tips for On-the-Go Lifestyles
I received a letter from a reader asking for some healthy snacking suggestions for his busy lifestlye. Sometimes, when you've been focusing on creating healthy concoctions that are new, innovative, exciting, unique, simple, affordable, interesting, etc. you forget that most people (including myself, honestly) simply don't have the time to play and experiment in the kitchen. It's good to get back to basics (and realistic expectations), so I wanted to post my response for all of my readers, in case you've found yourself in a similar rut, or just need a quick refresher course in avoiding food traps.
If you have a second, send me two healthy things I can eat for snacks! I like everything but onions, and I like them cooked. Just on the go snacks or light meals that are healthy. You are inspiring; wish you stilled lived in Nashville.
Have a great day!
Jason
Nashville, TN
Hey Jason!
First and foremost, you want to make sure you get a good balance of a variety of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients, to stave off hunger cravings and provide plenty of mental and physical energy. The best way to do that is to mix colorful fruits and vegetables with nuts and grains (not necessarily all at the same time, though).
Some great snacks to have around the house or to take "to the office" with you would be carrot sticks (or baby carrots), red grapes (the red skins have more antioxidants than the green), apples, raisins...etc. It's best to have things on hand that don't require preparation, because if given the choice between washing and cutting up veggies, or popping through the drive-thru, the latter will often win.
Unfortunately, fruits and veggies don't fill most people up (or keep you full), so this is where the nuts and grains come in. Granola is my favorite filler. I make my own, but if you can find one with raisins, oats, almonds (or a combination of fruit, grain, and nut that you like), then you're getting all you need to revv you up. Trail mix is good, too. It's best if you go to the bulk section of the grocery store and make your own, to ensure that you're not getting added chemicals, preservatives, salt, sugar, and fat that will sabotage all efforts to stay healthy and fight cravings.
Lastly, I recommend "meal replacement" bars. I don't mean Special K or NutriGrain or Slimfast bars, though. These are highy processed "foods" that are loaded with chemicals, sugar, and preservatives. A good rule of thumb is to avoid buying foods that say "low fat" or "low sugar" or "sugar free" or "high protein," and opt for foods that are naturally low fat, low sugar, sugar free, and high protein (like fresh fruits, veggies, grains and nuts!).
I love Larabars and Raw Revolution bars. They come in a variety of flavors, are made with mostly raw, whole foods, they have NO added sugar, only the good kind of fat, no cholesterol, no salt, no preservatives, and no chemicals. And they're super-filling and will satisfy your sweet tooth (instead of candy). You can even buy "raw brownies" and get a snack that's loaded with protein, fiber, calcium, vitamin C, vitamin A, and tons of rich chocolatey flavor!
Healthy foods can be intimidating, because they're foreign territory to a lot of people, and they're expensive. But they're worth venturing out and shelling out for. It's better to pay a little bit more at the grocery store, than it is to pay at the doctor's office. Two addages apply here: "pay now, or pay later" and "pay the farmer, or pay the pharmacy." Your health should be your top priority. If you need to cut spending, food should be last to go.
If you incorporate lots of healthy foods packed with great-for-you stuff, you can afford to splurge on "fun food" (like pizza and beer) once in a while without a lot of long-term, adverse effects.
Here is a list of suggestions:
Carrots
Cucumbers
Broccoli
Cauliflower
*Pair your veggies with hummus, for a fat-free, protein-packed punch!
Grapes
Apples
Bananas
Raisins or other dried fruit
Other seasonal produce (peaches, pears, plums, blueberries, cherries, etc.)
*Avoid foods that are messy or require preparation like peeling*
Granola with fruit, grain, and nut:
Oats, Flax*, Hemp
Almonds, Cashews, Walnuts, Peanuts, Hazelnuts
Raisins, dried bananas, dried apples, dried peaches, dried pears
Naturally sweetened dark chocolate chips
*Flax is THE BEST source of Omega-3 fatty acids and an excellent source of protein. I recommend adding whole or ground flax seeds, or flax meal to EVERYTHING possible (baked goods, cereal, shakes, smoothies, granola, etc.) it doesn't alter the flavor or texture noticeably and is a superfood that should be a staple!
Whole grain crackers are a good snack, too (especially with added flax!)
Foods to avoid:
High fat
High sugar
Foods with artificial sweetener
Foods that say "low fat" or "sugar free"
Pre-packaged, processed foods
Fad diet products
No-no's:
Don't eat potato chips. Instead, opt for popcorn or pretzels.
Don't eat candy or cookies, instead, grab a meal bar.
Don't go through the drive-thru, opt for "slow foods."
DON'T DRINK SODA!!! Always opt for water.
If you need something with flavor, add a lemon, lime, orange, or cucumber.
If you need something sweet, drink diluted juice, fruit/vegetable juice, or something like Simply Lemonade (even vitamin water is better).
If you need something carbonated, try (flavored) sparkling water, or sparkling juice.
Hope this helped!
If you have a second, send me two healthy things I can eat for snacks! I like everything but onions, and I like them cooked. Just on the go snacks or light meals that are healthy. You are inspiring; wish you stilled lived in Nashville.
Have a great day!
Jason
Nashville, TN
Hey Jason!
First and foremost, you want to make sure you get a good balance of a variety of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients, to stave off hunger cravings and provide plenty of mental and physical energy. The best way to do that is to mix colorful fruits and vegetables with nuts and grains (not necessarily all at the same time, though).
Some great snacks to have around the house or to take "to the office" with you would be carrot sticks (or baby carrots), red grapes (the red skins have more antioxidants than the green), apples, raisins...etc. It's best to have things on hand that don't require preparation, because if given the choice between washing and cutting up veggies, or popping through the drive-thru, the latter will often win.
Unfortunately, fruits and veggies don't fill most people up (or keep you full), so this is where the nuts and grains come in. Granola is my favorite filler. I make my own, but if you can find one with raisins, oats, almonds (or a combination of fruit, grain, and nut that you like), then you're getting all you need to revv you up. Trail mix is good, too. It's best if you go to the bulk section of the grocery store and make your own, to ensure that you're not getting added chemicals, preservatives, salt, sugar, and fat that will sabotage all efforts to stay healthy and fight cravings.
Lastly, I recommend "meal replacement" bars. I don't mean Special K or NutriGrain or Slimfast bars, though. These are highy processed "foods" that are loaded with chemicals, sugar, and preservatives. A good rule of thumb is to avoid buying foods that say "low fat" or "low sugar" or "sugar free" or "high protein," and opt for foods that are naturally low fat, low sugar, sugar free, and high protein (like fresh fruits, veggies, grains and nuts!).
I love Larabars and Raw Revolution bars. They come in a variety of flavors, are made with mostly raw, whole foods, they have NO added sugar, only the good kind of fat, no cholesterol, no salt, no preservatives, and no chemicals. And they're super-filling and will satisfy your sweet tooth (instead of candy). You can even buy "raw brownies" and get a snack that's loaded with protein, fiber, calcium, vitamin C, vitamin A, and tons of rich chocolatey flavor!
Healthy foods can be intimidating, because they're foreign territory to a lot of people, and they're expensive. But they're worth venturing out and shelling out for. It's better to pay a little bit more at the grocery store, than it is to pay at the doctor's office. Two addages apply here: "pay now, or pay later" and "pay the farmer, or pay the pharmacy." Your health should be your top priority. If you need to cut spending, food should be last to go.
If you incorporate lots of healthy foods packed with great-for-you stuff, you can afford to splurge on "fun food" (like pizza and beer) once in a while without a lot of long-term, adverse effects.
Here is a list of suggestions:
Carrots
Cucumbers
Broccoli
Cauliflower
*Pair your veggies with hummus, for a fat-free, protein-packed punch!
Grapes
Apples
Bananas
Raisins or other dried fruit
Other seasonal produce (peaches, pears, plums, blueberries, cherries, etc.)
*Avoid foods that are messy or require preparation like peeling*
Granola with fruit, grain, and nut:
Oats, Flax*, Hemp
Almonds, Cashews, Walnuts, Peanuts, Hazelnuts
Raisins, dried bananas, dried apples, dried peaches, dried pears
Naturally sweetened dark chocolate chips
*Flax is THE BEST source of Omega-3 fatty acids and an excellent source of protein. I recommend adding whole or ground flax seeds, or flax meal to EVERYTHING possible (baked goods, cereal, shakes, smoothies, granola, etc.) it doesn't alter the flavor or texture noticeably and is a superfood that should be a staple!
Whole grain crackers are a good snack, too (especially with added flax!)
Foods to avoid:
High fat
High sugar
Foods with artificial sweetener
Foods that say "low fat" or "sugar free"
Pre-packaged, processed foods
Fad diet products
No-no's:
Don't eat potato chips. Instead, opt for popcorn or pretzels.
Don't eat candy or cookies, instead, grab a meal bar.
Don't go through the drive-thru, opt for "slow foods."
DON'T DRINK SODA!!! Always opt for water.
If you need something with flavor, add a lemon, lime, orange, or cucumber.
If you need something sweet, drink diluted juice, fruit/vegetable juice, or something like Simply Lemonade (even vitamin water is better).
If you need something carbonated, try (flavored) sparkling water, or sparkling juice.
Hope this helped!
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
On Hiatus
Don't fret, folks; I'm still here!
This week has come on like a bullet train, loaded with school obligations and life. I'm overwhelmed with work and lists of lists of "things to do." So I'm taking a break from blogging until I'm caught up.
Hopefully, over spring break, I'll finally get the rest of my recipes uploaded!!!
In the meantime, visit my "Recommended Reading" page for other Raw blogs!
Cheers!
J
This week has come on like a bullet train, loaded with school obligations and life. I'm overwhelmed with work and lists of lists of "things to do." So I'm taking a break from blogging until I'm caught up.
Hopefully, over spring break, I'll finally get the rest of my recipes uploaded!!!
In the meantime, visit my "Recommended Reading" page for other Raw blogs!
Cheers!
J
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Important Butter Update!
A friend of mine posted a comment on my Facebook wall regarding this blog post. As a vegan who is also concerned about the environment, she asked where a butter-loving vegan might find a dairy-free spread without Palm Oil (palm oil plantations are wreaking havoc on the environment and wiping out endangered species). After some research, I have come to 2 conclusions:
Earth Balance, though they do use Palm Oil in their recipe, are sourcing their ingredients from sustainable operations, while also working to fund sustainable palm oil plantation development in Brazil and Malaysia.
Blue Bonnet Light, while using a few synthetic ingredients, is vegan AND Palm Oil-free. But only the Light.
So, pick your poison (literally). Or, find a new, guilt-free condiment!
Earth Balance, though they do use Palm Oil in their recipe, are sourcing their ingredients from sustainable operations, while also working to fund sustainable palm oil plantation development in Brazil and Malaysia.
Blue Bonnet Light, while using a few synthetic ingredients, is vegan AND Palm Oil-free. But only the Light.
So, pick your poison (literally). Or, find a new, guilt-free condiment!
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Good Fat, Bad Fat
I had a conversation with a co-worker last night about butter. I don't eat it. Not because it's high in saturated fat, but because it is animal-derived. However, if I weren't a vegan, I still wouldn't eat it.
We debated about the need for fat in our diets. Let me rephrase that: we debated about whether or not butter is the source of a "needed" fat.
Needed fat???
Yes.
Your body NEEDS fat. Fat helps build proteins, the building blocks of existence. Fat also provides the body with Vitamins A, D, E, and K. But there is a difference between "good" fat and "bad" fat. And it's fairly simple: Saturated and Trans fats = BAD. Unsaturated fats = GOOD. You see? There are only 3 basic types of fats to discern, and only one type is actually good for you.
So, here's the skinny:
Butter is a bad fat. It's saturated AND trans. Rule of thumb? Don't eat it. Even "in moderation."
You want fat? Eat an avocado or a handful of nuts. But there's still a limit to how much fat you need!
Here's an excerpt form an excellent web source, the link to which is at the bottom of this post:
Suggested daily fat intake is tied to calorie needs. The two fats to limit are:
Saturated fat: found in meats, butter, cream, or ice cream, and other foods with animal fat.
Trans fat: a man-made fat found in some margarine and most packaged foods.
Here are some examples of healthy daily fat allowance:.
1,800 Calories a Day
40 to 70 grams of total fat
14 grams or less of saturated fat
2 grams or less of trans fat
2,200 Calories a Day
49 to 86 grams of total fat
17 grams or less of saturated fat
3 grams or less of trans fat
2,500 Calories a Day
56 to 97 grams of total fat
20 grams or less of saturated fat
3 grams or less of trans fat.
Unsaturated fats -- monounsaturated and polyunsaturated -- should be the dominant type of fat in a balanced diet, because they reduce the risk of clogged arteries.
While foods tend to contain a mixture of fats, monounsaturated fat is the primary fat found in:
olive, canola, and sesame oils
avocado
nuts, such as almonds, cashews, and pistachios; peanuts and peanut butter
Polyunsaturated fat is prevalent in:
corn, cottonseed, and safflower oils
sunflower seeds and sunflower oil
flaxseed and flaxseed oil
soybeans and soybean oil
tub margarine
Now that you know just how much fat you should have in your diet,
check out the fat content of butter.
More on this here
Now, in her defense, my co-worker is a bright young girl, who seems to stay active and fit by dancing her ass off, and who is also aware of the food she consumes (even if her dietary palate is less than ideal). While she's generally receptive to new tid-bits of information pertaining to health, as an intelligent young woman, experiencing the fresh independence of emancipation from childhood, she is resistant to acknowledging she might have her facts crossed every once in a while. We've all been there.
Her intuitive instinct, which she readily subscribes to, is that butter (saturated fat) is acceptable, in moderation, "if you get enough exercise." And for all intents and purposes, according to the chart above and most reliable, credible sources, she is most probably right (as far as any research can tell thus far).
However, it is not merely the fat in the butter that concerns me. Another problem with butter is that it contains two cholesterol-raising ingredients: The saturated fat we discussed, and dietary cholesterol . Dietary cholesterol is found only in animal products so you won't find any cholesterol in a plant-based food or food product.
While diets rich in saturated and trans fats raise blood cholesterol concentrations (LDL), contributing to clogged arteries that block the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the heart and brain, cholesterol and fat need to be considered separate entities (that's why they're listed separately on packages).
Dietary cholesterol can exist independently of bad fat, and you can't "burn cholesterol" dancing your ass off. Even skinny people can have very high cholesterol.
More on this here
But wait, there's more!
Back to butter's animal origins...
Butter is made from cow's milk. Cow's milk is made by cows, for cows, not humans. Really.
All mammals produce milk for their offspring. This high-protein, high-fat secretion is intended to nourish, sustain, and grow young mammals from infancy to a strong, healthy, independent state. Cow's milk, specifically, works to help a calf triple its birth weight before being weaned. Baby calves grow fast. They gain about a pound and a half per day, and by their first birthday they’ve increased their weight by eight times or more. Human infants grow quickly, too, tripling their weight by 12 months. But by the toddler years, children are putting on only about 4 or 5 pounds per year. So how could cow’s milk be a good choice for slow-growing toddlers and fast-growing calves? It's not.
Milk is designed for the super-fast growth and development of a different species at a specific stage of life. Cow’s milk is for baby cows; human milk is for baby humans. And once they are weaned, nobody needs any milk at all. Even cows don't drink cow's milk as adults.
For more on the negative health effects of cow's milk dairy, visit my "Myth Busters" tab or this website.
In short, butter probably won't kill you "in moderation," but the risks far outweigh the benefits (of which there are none). It's high in saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, and naturally-occurring bovine growth hormones that are not suitable for humans.
Try this for an alternative, which tastes, cooks, and melts like butter!
We debated about the need for fat in our diets. Let me rephrase that: we debated about whether or not butter is the source of a "needed" fat.
Needed fat???
Yes.
Your body NEEDS fat. Fat helps build proteins, the building blocks of existence. Fat also provides the body with Vitamins A, D, E, and K. But there is a difference between "good" fat and "bad" fat. And it's fairly simple: Saturated and Trans fats = BAD. Unsaturated fats = GOOD. You see? There are only 3 basic types of fats to discern, and only one type is actually good for you.
So, here's the skinny:
Butter is a bad fat. It's saturated AND trans. Rule of thumb? Don't eat it. Even "in moderation."
You want fat? Eat an avocado or a handful of nuts. But there's still a limit to how much fat you need!
Here's an excerpt form an excellent web source, the link to which is at the bottom of this post:
Suggested daily fat intake is tied to calorie needs. The two fats to limit are:
Saturated fat: found in meats, butter, cream, or ice cream, and other foods with animal fat.
Trans fat: a man-made fat found in some margarine and most packaged foods.
Here are some examples of healthy daily fat allowance:.
1,800 Calories a Day
40 to 70 grams of total fat
14 grams or less of saturated fat
2 grams or less of trans fat
2,200 Calories a Day
49 to 86 grams of total fat
17 grams or less of saturated fat
3 grams or less of trans fat
2,500 Calories a Day
56 to 97 grams of total fat
20 grams or less of saturated fat
3 grams or less of trans fat.
Unsaturated fats -- monounsaturated and polyunsaturated -- should be the dominant type of fat in a balanced diet, because they reduce the risk of clogged arteries.
While foods tend to contain a mixture of fats, monounsaturated fat is the primary fat found in:
olive, canola, and sesame oils
avocado
nuts, such as almonds, cashews, and pistachios; peanuts and peanut butter
Polyunsaturated fat is prevalent in:
corn, cottonseed, and safflower oils
sunflower seeds and sunflower oil
flaxseed and flaxseed oil
soybeans and soybean oil
tub margarine
Now that you know just how much fat you should have in your diet,
check out the fat content of butter.
Now, in her defense, my co-worker is a bright young girl, who seems to stay active and fit by dancing her ass off, and who is also aware of the food she consumes (even if her dietary palate is less than ideal). While she's generally receptive to new tid-bits of information pertaining to health, as an intelligent young woman, experiencing the fresh independence of emancipation from childhood, she is resistant to acknowledging she might have her facts crossed every once in a while. We've all been there.
Her intuitive instinct, which she readily subscribes to, is that butter (saturated fat) is acceptable, in moderation, "if you get enough exercise." And for all intents and purposes, according to the chart above and most reliable, credible sources, she is most probably right (as far as any research can tell thus far).
However, it is not merely the fat in the butter that concerns me. Another problem with butter is that it contains two cholesterol-raising ingredients: The saturated fat we discussed, and dietary cholesterol . Dietary cholesterol is found only in animal products so you won't find any cholesterol in a plant-based food or food product.
While diets rich in saturated and trans fats raise blood cholesterol concentrations (LDL), contributing to clogged arteries that block the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the heart and brain, cholesterol and fat need to be considered separate entities (that's why they're listed separately on packages).
Dietary cholesterol can exist independently of bad fat, and you can't "burn cholesterol" dancing your ass off. Even skinny people can have very high cholesterol.
But wait, there's more!
Back to butter's animal origins...
Butter is made from cow's milk. Cow's milk is made by cows, for cows, not humans. Really.
All mammals produce milk for their offspring. This high-protein, high-fat secretion is intended to nourish, sustain, and grow young mammals from infancy to a strong, healthy, independent state. Cow's milk, specifically, works to help a calf triple its birth weight before being weaned. Baby calves grow fast. They gain about a pound and a half per day, and by their first birthday they’ve increased their weight by eight times or more. Human infants grow quickly, too, tripling their weight by 12 months. But by the toddler years, children are putting on only about 4 or 5 pounds per year. So how could cow’s milk be a good choice for slow-growing toddlers and fast-growing calves? It's not.
Milk is designed for the super-fast growth and development of a different species at a specific stage of life. Cow’s milk is for baby cows; human milk is for baby humans. And once they are weaned, nobody needs any milk at all. Even cows don't drink cow's milk as adults.
For more on the negative health effects of cow's milk dairy, visit my "Myth Busters" tab or this website.
In short, butter probably won't kill you "in moderation," but the risks far outweigh the benefits (of which there are none). It's high in saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, and naturally-occurring bovine growth hormones that are not suitable for humans.
Try this for an alternative, which tastes, cooks, and melts like butter!
The End is Just the Beginning!
Congratulations to all of my cleansing buddies who successfully completed the 10-day Rawvolution with me!
Don't stop now!
Because I adhere to a fairly clean diet and participate in frequent detoxifying cleanses, I can "afford" to digress into the world of warm food often. I follow a strict vegan diet and have very limited sugar and fat intake, so my level of body pollutants is fairly low, even when I'm not cleansing. For me, cleansing is more a device which prods me away from processed foods, while simultaneously increasing the amount of vitamins, minerals, nutrients and alkalizing foods I consume on a daily basis. With my system in optimum health, I have a little wiggle room for when I'm craving pancakes on Sunday morning!
That being said, each cleanse gives me more than a clean slate, it inspires me to maintain a clean plate! I call this transition from raw to high raw my "Fresh Start," because it's the start of something new: a new way to view food in relation to my health, in relation to the environment, in relation to social structures; and it's the start of incorporating more fresh foods into my stale routine.
My mind, being clear, and my body, being strong, healthy, and full of energy, inspire a renewed sense of self and sense of purpose: Making health (of the self, of the planet, of the people, of the animals) a top priority. After all, you only get one body to inhabit, and no one is going to take care of it, but you. And you only get one planet to inhabit, and that's your responsibility, too. And while you can take care of yourself and have the luxury of making healthy, safe, and smart decisions, other [people and animals] in the world aren't as fortunate. But by making wise choices for yourself and the earth, you're helping those who can't help themselves. Every single thing in this world is ultimately affected by what you decide to put in your body.
Amazing, isn't it?
So today's challenge is this: Stay raw for as long as you possibly can, 21 days...30 days...6 months...a year! I dare you. And when you've reached your threshold and can't take another minute without something hot, on a plate, you can eat with a fork, eat responsibly!
Here is the strategy for our household:
We are raw. Except when we're not. What does this mean? It means, simply, that our main focus is raw (fruits and) vegetables. Every single meal of the day, and all the snacks in between, are raw, unless they have to be cooked. For instance, we love sushi. All the veggies are raw, the seaweed is raw, but you can't really eat raw rice (or you at least can't make sushi out of raw rice). So this meal would be considered high-raw. Same thing with spring rolls. Loaded with raw veggies (including dark leafy greens!), but rice paper is not raw. Each meal, however, should be centered around raw vegetables (and occasional fruit), complemented by some whole or sprouted grains (unprocessed), and every once in a while, splurge. Being healthy isn't about deprivation; it's about doing your best and not being too hard on yourself when you can't. Trying to attain (or maintain) perfection is usually a recipe for failure.
Maintaining your health isn't all or nothing!
If you slip up and give into a gas station car snack on a long road trip, don't beat yourself up. The worst thing you can allow yourself to think in that moment is "Well, I just messed up my diet..." because that gives you permission to give up on yourself and sends you down a destructive path. Instead, say to yourself, "That was good. Now back on track..." and let it go. It takes a total of 3200 calories beyond what you burn to gain 1 pound. You burn 1000 calories a day just by being alive. Eating a 500 calorie bag of chips isn't going to sabotage your weight, and having one processed, toxic snack in a week isn't going to curdle your blood. Just be sure you give your body ample time to process and rid itself of the garbage, before your next relapse. Otherwise, you'll take in more than you excrete, resulting in build-up (bioaccumulation) and a backed-up system with all kinds of yucky consequences.
Now that you know you've got the will power, the resolve, and the tools to succeed, steering clear of sugary, starchy, fatty, processed foods should be cake! ;)
Don't stop now!
Because I adhere to a fairly clean diet and participate in frequent detoxifying cleanses, I can "afford" to digress into the world of warm food often. I follow a strict vegan diet and have very limited sugar and fat intake, so my level of body pollutants is fairly low, even when I'm not cleansing. For me, cleansing is more a device which prods me away from processed foods, while simultaneously increasing the amount of vitamins, minerals, nutrients and alkalizing foods I consume on a daily basis. With my system in optimum health, I have a little wiggle room for when I'm craving pancakes on Sunday morning!
That being said, each cleanse gives me more than a clean slate, it inspires me to maintain a clean plate! I call this transition from raw to high raw my "Fresh Start," because it's the start of something new: a new way to view food in relation to my health, in relation to the environment, in relation to social structures; and it's the start of incorporating more fresh foods into my stale routine.
My mind, being clear, and my body, being strong, healthy, and full of energy, inspire a renewed sense of self and sense of purpose: Making health (of the self, of the planet, of the people, of the animals) a top priority. After all, you only get one body to inhabit, and no one is going to take care of it, but you. And you only get one planet to inhabit, and that's your responsibility, too. And while you can take care of yourself and have the luxury of making healthy, safe, and smart decisions, other [people and animals] in the world aren't as fortunate. But by making wise choices for yourself and the earth, you're helping those who can't help themselves. Every single thing in this world is ultimately affected by what you decide to put in your body.
Amazing, isn't it?
So today's challenge is this: Stay raw for as long as you possibly can, 21 days...30 days...6 months...a year! I dare you. And when you've reached your threshold and can't take another minute without something hot, on a plate, you can eat with a fork, eat responsibly!
Here is the strategy for our household:
We are raw. Except when we're not. What does this mean? It means, simply, that our main focus is raw (fruits and) vegetables. Every single meal of the day, and all the snacks in between, are raw, unless they have to be cooked. For instance, we love sushi. All the veggies are raw, the seaweed is raw, but you can't really eat raw rice (or you at least can't make sushi out of raw rice). So this meal would be considered high-raw. Same thing with spring rolls. Loaded with raw veggies (including dark leafy greens!), but rice paper is not raw. Each meal, however, should be centered around raw vegetables (and occasional fruit), complemented by some whole or sprouted grains (unprocessed), and every once in a while, splurge. Being healthy isn't about deprivation; it's about doing your best and not being too hard on yourself when you can't. Trying to attain (or maintain) perfection is usually a recipe for failure.
Maintaining your health isn't all or nothing!
If you slip up and give into a gas station car snack on a long road trip, don't beat yourself up. The worst thing you can allow yourself to think in that moment is "Well, I just messed up my diet..." because that gives you permission to give up on yourself and sends you down a destructive path. Instead, say to yourself, "That was good. Now back on track..." and let it go. It takes a total of 3200 calories beyond what you burn to gain 1 pound. You burn 1000 calories a day just by being alive. Eating a 500 calorie bag of chips isn't going to sabotage your weight, and having one processed, toxic snack in a week isn't going to curdle your blood. Just be sure you give your body ample time to process and rid itself of the garbage, before your next relapse. Otherwise, you'll take in more than you excrete, resulting in build-up (bioaccumulation) and a backed-up system with all kinds of yucky consequences.
Now that you know you've got the will power, the resolve, and the tools to succeed, steering clear of sugary, starchy, fatty, processed foods should be cake! ;)
Monday, February 14, 2011
Day 9 - Raw Pad Thai
Back to the grind today. The day consisted of the usual: fresh fruit, nuts, raw snack bars, and water, until...
I decided to whip up some raw pad thai on a whim!
Inspired by some of the raw creations I've tasted over the past few days, I thought I might up the competition for the chefs at Greenlife by creating my own version of their lack-luster rendition of one of my favorite dishes.
Between classes, I swung by the store for some supplies:
Kelp Noodles
Zucchini
Grated Carrots
Asparagus
Red Bell Pepper
Green Bell Pepper
Green Onions
Broccoli
Avocado
I took my treasures home, tossed them in some raw almond sauce (which I made up as I went along)...
And THIS was the result:
I decided to whip up some raw pad thai on a whim!
Inspired by some of the raw creations I've tasted over the past few days, I thought I might up the competition for the chefs at Greenlife by creating my own version of their lack-luster rendition of one of my favorite dishes.
Between classes, I swung by the store for some supplies:
Kelp Noodles
Zucchini
Grated Carrots
Asparagus
Red Bell Pepper
Green Bell Pepper
Green Onions
Broccoli
Avocado
I took my treasures home, tossed them in some raw almond sauce (which I made up as I went along)...
And THIS was the result:
After dinner, Emma and I decided to try our luck at some homemade raw, vegan chocolate ice cream (which is audibly churning in the freezer as I type this), spiced up with a handful of raw, sweetened cacao nibs. I didn't take any pictures of the process, since it was our first attempt and we lacked organization. But pictures of the finished product will follow!!!
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Day 8 (with 2 to go!)
By now, you have a feel for the daily requirements of a raw diet: VEGGIES VEGGIES VEGGIES and fruit. Hopefully, you've been focusing on your green leafies (like kale and collards and spinach!) and treating yourself with the occasional sweet treat (aka fruit). And hopefully, you've stumbled upon some easy, grab-n-go snack options to help curb your appetite during the work day!
My cleanse this time around was the raw equivalent to the American Fast Food diet, but don't let that discourage (or encourage) you! We all have unexpected events pop up (like sick kids and heavy work loads) and we all find ourselves crunched for time occasionally. The beauty of the industrialized age (if there is one) is convenience for all dietary needs. Of course I would prefer to sit down to a home made raw feast, but sometimes, that's simply not practical, so I am thankful for cruditees, finger-fruits, and snack bars. And let's not forget, juice can go anywhere (and it should)!
I open with this disclaimer to excuse the fact that I had a less-than-exemplary day on the cleanse today.
I started with a banana (not bad) and moved to a Lara Bar...then to a Raw Revolution bar (fructose, anyone?)...and then onto some cashews and an apple. I guess I was saving room and calories for dinner:
I stopped by the deli counter at Greenlife for a serving of Raw Falafel Wraps on a bed of sprouts and romaine lettuce. Once I got home, I whipped up some Raw Tahini Tzatziki Sauce, complete with cucumbers and dill (I didn't realize I had tomatoes, until my food was gone). Tasty, light, raw, and protein-packed!
Now it's time for water and homework...
My cleanse this time around was the raw equivalent to the American Fast Food diet, but don't let that discourage (or encourage) you! We all have unexpected events pop up (like sick kids and heavy work loads) and we all find ourselves crunched for time occasionally. The beauty of the industrialized age (if there is one) is convenience for all dietary needs. Of course I would prefer to sit down to a home made raw feast, but sometimes, that's simply not practical, so I am thankful for cruditees, finger-fruits, and snack bars. And let's not forget, juice can go anywhere (and it should)!
I open with this disclaimer to excuse the fact that I had a less-than-exemplary day on the cleanse today.
I started with a banana (not bad) and moved to a Lara Bar...then to a Raw Revolution bar (fructose, anyone?)...and then onto some cashews and an apple. I guess I was saving room and calories for dinner:
I stopped by the deli counter at Greenlife for a serving of Raw Falafel Wraps on a bed of sprouts and romaine lettuce. Once I got home, I whipped up some Raw Tahini Tzatziki Sauce, complete with cucumbers and dill (I didn't realize I had tomatoes, until my food was gone). Tasty, light, raw, and protein-packed!
Now it's time for water and homework...
Crazy Sexy Raw
I am SO excited!
As many of you know, I am a BIG fan of model-turned-actress-turned-cancer patient-turned-film maker-turned-author-turned-health warrior, Kris Carr. This is an amazing woman with an amazing story that she continues to write and re-write every day. And the best part is that she writes it all down for us to read!
On Valentine's day, nearly a decade ago, Kris was diagnosed with a really rare form of stage IV cancer. So rare, in fact, that she had doctors dumbfounded. The best they could tell her was there was nothing they could do. So she took matters into her own hands and became a self-possessed health and fitness fanatic.
Kris transformed her destructive partying lifestyle into a fresh start. How fresh? She quit smoking, quit drinking, quit experimenting, and started making her health a priority. Kris went raw!
Needless to say, this wasn't an easy or natural transition for Kris, but it was a logical and vital one. She knew she had to eliminate animal products, intoxicants, processed foods, and sugars from her diet, if she had any chance at all of turning her health around and changing her fate. Like me in my fight against cancer, Kris committed to a vegan macrobiotic diet, consisting predominantly of fresh fruits and veggies. Because a truly well-balanced diet packed with proteins, vitamins, minerals and all the necessary nutrients requires quite a bit of bulk, Kris turned to juice, the miracle elixir.
I'm not going to divulge her entire journey here on my blog, after all, she has her own. Yep, that's right; Kris is still alive and well (better, in fact, than pre-cancer)! She still has cancer, and it's still in stage IV, but it hasn't progressed in 10 years! Food is truly the best medicine.
I'm telling you all this to get you pumped for her newest book: Crazy Sexy Diet, the third in her series of best-sellers (preceded by her DVD documentary, Crazy Sexy Cancer, Crazy Sexy Cancer Survivor and Crazy Sexy Cancer Tips are must-reads!). If you're interested in reading and following her inspiring story, I urge you to buy all three books! Even if you don't have cancer, or know anyone with cancer, Kris' approach to taking control of her life and grabbing her health by the horns is truly inspirational and her writing style is approachable, relatable, familiar, casual, and entertaining.
My Crazy Sexy Diet book came in the mail yesterday and I CANNOT WAIT to get started! It's packed with alkalizing vegan and raw recipes, which are good for fighting (and preventing) ALL ailments, not just cancer! Raw foods are great for treating chronic illness, too, while also boasting the usual benefits I relay to you: increased energy, clarity of thought, healthy weight maintenance, clear skin, and happy insides! And just like I always tell you, Kris attests to the body's ability to adapt to and ultimately crave the creations your juicer renders.
Juicing is sexy; go be rawsome!
Here's a link to Kris' blog (where you can also order your very own copies of all of her books!)
Crazy Sexy Life
As many of you know, I am a BIG fan of model-turned-actress-turned-cancer patient-turned-film maker-turned-author-turned-health warrior, Kris Carr. This is an amazing woman with an amazing story that she continues to write and re-write every day. And the best part is that she writes it all down for us to read!
On Valentine's day, nearly a decade ago, Kris was diagnosed with a really rare form of stage IV cancer. So rare, in fact, that she had doctors dumbfounded. The best they could tell her was there was nothing they could do. So she took matters into her own hands and became a self-possessed health and fitness fanatic.
Kris transformed her destructive partying lifestyle into a fresh start. How fresh? She quit smoking, quit drinking, quit experimenting, and started making her health a priority. Kris went raw!
Needless to say, this wasn't an easy or natural transition for Kris, but it was a logical and vital one. She knew she had to eliminate animal products, intoxicants, processed foods, and sugars from her diet, if she had any chance at all of turning her health around and changing her fate. Like me in my fight against cancer, Kris committed to a vegan macrobiotic diet, consisting predominantly of fresh fruits and veggies. Because a truly well-balanced diet packed with proteins, vitamins, minerals and all the necessary nutrients requires quite a bit of bulk, Kris turned to juice, the miracle elixir.
I'm not going to divulge her entire journey here on my blog, after all, she has her own. Yep, that's right; Kris is still alive and well (better, in fact, than pre-cancer)! She still has cancer, and it's still in stage IV, but it hasn't progressed in 10 years! Food is truly the best medicine.
I'm telling you all this to get you pumped for her newest book: Crazy Sexy Diet, the third in her series of best-sellers (preceded by her DVD documentary, Crazy Sexy Cancer, Crazy Sexy Cancer Survivor and Crazy Sexy Cancer Tips are must-reads!). If you're interested in reading and following her inspiring story, I urge you to buy all three books! Even if you don't have cancer, or know anyone with cancer, Kris' approach to taking control of her life and grabbing her health by the horns is truly inspirational and her writing style is approachable, relatable, familiar, casual, and entertaining.
My Crazy Sexy Diet book came in the mail yesterday and I CANNOT WAIT to get started! It's packed with alkalizing vegan and raw recipes, which are good for fighting (and preventing) ALL ailments, not just cancer! Raw foods are great for treating chronic illness, too, while also boasting the usual benefits I relay to you: increased energy, clarity of thought, healthy weight maintenance, clear skin, and happy insides! And just like I always tell you, Kris attests to the body's ability to adapt to and ultimately crave the creations your juicer renders.
Juicing is sexy; go be rawsome!
Here's a link to Kris' blog (where you can also order your very own copies of all of her books!)
Crazy Sexy Life
Day 7 - Raw Oatmeal
I'm sick of smoothies. I don't know if I'm sick of making them, or sick of drinking them; I imagine it's a little bit of both. I was missing that heavy feeling of something starchy sitting in my belly and keeping me full for longer than an hour. So I decided to experiment!
I found some raw oats (which are surprisingly difficult to track down, due to their short shelf life) at Greenlife Grocery. Before leaving for dance this morning, I poured a cup of raw oats into a bowl with a cup of ground flax meal. I threw in some fresh blue berries, diced apples, and a tablespoon of organic raw blue agave nectar. I added about a cup of hot tap water, loosely covered the creation, and headed out the door. When we returned about 2 hours later, the oats had softened and the flax had soaked up most of the liquid. I stirred it up and enjoyed a bowl of room temperature oatmeal! The flavor and texture were very satisfying, as was the feeling of having eaten something hearty for the first time in nearly 7 days.
I would have taken a picture, but I ate it too fast.
Of course, I had to be at work at 4:15 again today, so I was pressed for time after nap this after noon. I decided to put the fruits and veggies in my fridge to good juice!
I juiced a bunch of kale, a bunch of parsley, 2 celery stalks, 1 carrot, 1 apple, 3 beets, a handful of broccoli florets, 1 cucumber, a container of blue berries, 6 strawberries...and I just now realized that I forgot to add a banana!!! This blend yielded 2 full glasses of juice, and all of my fruit and veggie servings for the day!
This morning, after making pancakes and eggs for Emma, I decided to concoct my version of "raw oatmeal." All of the recipes online basically call for nuts and fruit, and maybe some flax. But I wanted "real" oatmeal.
I would have taken a picture, but I ate it too fast.
Of course, I had to be at work at 4:15 again today, so I was pressed for time after nap this after noon. I decided to put the fruits and veggies in my fridge to good juice!
I juiced a bunch of kale, a bunch of parsley, 2 celery stalks, 1 carrot, 1 apple, 3 beets, a handful of broccoli florets, 1 cucumber, a container of blue berries, 6 strawberries...and I just now realized that I forgot to add a banana!!! This blend yielded 2 full glasses of juice, and all of my fruit and veggie servings for the day!
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Days 5 and 6!
All I can say is Y.U.M.
Today did not get off to a good start.
First, Emma spent the entire night coughing. I laid awake with her from 1:15 until the wee hours of the morning. After a generous and peaceful 2 hours of sleep, I awoke to the realization that school (for me) had been delayed, while school (for Emma) had been canceled. This put a kink in my day.
Today had been slated for studying. I was also supposed to attend the FANTABULOUS film, Forks Over Knives...but I discovered that it had been sold out, despite the venue's strict pre-sale policy: "no advance ticket sales...no exceptions!" Since I had already hired a babysitter and arranged for a "date night" with Graham, I decided we should go to dinner anyway...after my 3-hour biology exam.
We found ourselves staring blankly at an unfamiliar menu, in an old familiar favorite restaurant; they had just changed and consolidated the menu that day. Not cool. So the raw dishes we had our taste buds set on were no longer options. That seemed to be the theme of the day.
For our entrees, we each had the Raw Zucchini Manicotti, stuffed with Basil Pesto and Cashew Ricotta, over Sun-dried Tomato Marinara. SO good.
And dessert? Yes, they have raw desert! Raw, vegan vanilla ice cream, with raw vegan chocolate sauce!
All in all, this one hour of my day was a success.
Friday was tough.
Emma's illness escalated to a stomach bug, complete with vomiting beginning at 6:30 AM. Awesome.
I missed my first class, as we gauged her recovery and decided, ultimately, that she was okay to go to school. I, however, was EXHAUSTED, after a week of late nights at work, doing homework, and caring for my sick baby. Collectively, I may have gotten a total of 10 hours of sleep all week. Nice.
Graham was headed out of town to see his kiddos, so we met at Greenlife Grocery for lunch. We each made a hearty, leafy green salad, complete with every raw veggie possible. Then I made a visit to the deli counter and added 3 "living foods" Zucchini Kofta balls to mine. With a little Tumeric-Tahini dressing, I was raw heaven.
Dinner was nondescript, since I was at work. The usual finger foods and snacks (veggies, hummus, nuts).
Tacking on 3 extra days to my usual 7-day cleanse has been psychologically daunting; a real test of my self-control and resolve. Ordinarily, I'd be looking forward to a nice, home-cooked Sunday brunch tomorrow; instead, I'm counting down the hours until Wednesday.
Stick it out; this is the home stretch!
Today did not get off to a good start.
First, Emma spent the entire night coughing. I laid awake with her from 1:15 until the wee hours of the morning. After a generous and peaceful 2 hours of sleep, I awoke to the realization that school (for me) had been delayed, while school (for Emma) had been canceled. This put a kink in my day.
Today had been slated for studying. I was also supposed to attend the FANTABULOUS film, Forks Over Knives...but I discovered that it had been sold out, despite the venue's strict pre-sale policy: "no advance ticket sales...no exceptions!" Since I had already hired a babysitter and arranged for a "date night" with Graham, I decided we should go to dinner anyway...after my 3-hour biology exam.
We found ourselves staring blankly at an unfamiliar menu, in an old familiar favorite restaurant; they had just changed and consolidated the menu that day. Not cool. So the raw dishes we had our taste buds set on were no longer options. That seemed to be the theme of the day.
I ordered the Laughing Seed Salad and added a side of Hummus and Seaweed Salad.
Very tasty,
and plenty to go around.
Very tasty,
and plenty to go around.
For our entrees, we each had the Raw Zucchini Manicotti, stuffed with Basil Pesto and Cashew Ricotta, over Sun-dried Tomato Marinara. SO good.
And dessert? Yes, they have raw desert! Raw, vegan vanilla ice cream, with raw vegan chocolate sauce!
All in all, this one hour of my day was a success.
Friday was tough.
Emma's illness escalated to a stomach bug, complete with vomiting beginning at 6:30 AM. Awesome.
I missed my first class, as we gauged her recovery and decided, ultimately, that she was okay to go to school. I, however, was EXHAUSTED, after a week of late nights at work, doing homework, and caring for my sick baby. Collectively, I may have gotten a total of 10 hours of sleep all week. Nice.
Graham was headed out of town to see his kiddos, so we met at Greenlife Grocery for lunch. We each made a hearty, leafy green salad, complete with every raw veggie possible. Then I made a visit to the deli counter and added 3 "living foods" Zucchini Kofta balls to mine. With a little Tumeric-Tahini dressing, I was raw heaven.
Dinner was nondescript, since I was at work. The usual finger foods and snacks (veggies, hummus, nuts).
Tacking on 3 extra days to my usual 7-day cleanse has been psychologically daunting; a real test of my self-control and resolve. Ordinarily, I'd be looking forward to a nice, home-cooked Sunday brunch tomorrow; instead, I'm counting down the hours until Wednesday.
Stick it out; this is the home stretch!
Go be rawsome!
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Day 4
Who has made it through four days of Raw? Only one week left!
By now, you should be noticing some changes in your energy level, in addition to a bit of weight loss.
For me, the third day of raw is a rough patch. It's when I begin craving things that I don't typically eat when I'm not cleansing. I feel hungry and tired. I even break out a bit. The breakouts are a good sign that the impurities are surfacing and preparing for their exit. The low level of energy is a sign that the body has begun cleaning house, which takes a lot of work. But it's just the prelude to Day 4: the turnaround!
I feel great today! Plenty of energy and notably enhanced concentration. My cravings have retreated and I'm fully enjoying the fresh fare mother earth has to offer.
Today, I've indulged in carrots, cucumbers, peppers, green beans, mixed greens, and tomato chutney - tasty and filling! For dessert, I enjoyed some plump, sweet blueberries, and fresh mango slices. I also had some left-over sprouted lentil salad, raisins, a Raw Revolution Chocolate Raspberry bar, and lots of water, of course.
My mind is clear, my body is energized, and I've lost about 2 lbs. of yuck. With 7 days left, I should start to notice clearer, glowing skin, brighter eyes, and the need for less sleep than usual.
This weekend, once the chaos of the week dies down, I'm going through some old stand-by rawcipes to spice up the rest of our cleanse. I will post some for your enjoyment, along with pics, as we devour them.
Go be Rawsome!
By now, you should be noticing some changes in your energy level, in addition to a bit of weight loss.
For me, the third day of raw is a rough patch. It's when I begin craving things that I don't typically eat when I'm not cleansing. I feel hungry and tired. I even break out a bit. The breakouts are a good sign that the impurities are surfacing and preparing for their exit. The low level of energy is a sign that the body has begun cleaning house, which takes a lot of work. But it's just the prelude to Day 4: the turnaround!
I feel great today! Plenty of energy and notably enhanced concentration. My cravings have retreated and I'm fully enjoying the fresh fare mother earth has to offer.
Today, I've indulged in carrots, cucumbers, peppers, green beans, mixed greens, and tomato chutney - tasty and filling! For dessert, I enjoyed some plump, sweet blueberries, and fresh mango slices. I also had some left-over sprouted lentil salad, raisins, a Raw Revolution Chocolate Raspberry bar, and lots of water, of course.
My mind is clear, my body is energized, and I've lost about 2 lbs. of yuck. With 7 days left, I should start to notice clearer, glowing skin, brighter eyes, and the need for less sleep than usual.
This weekend, once the chaos of the week dies down, I'm going through some old stand-by rawcipes to spice up the rest of our cleanse. I will post some for your enjoyment, along with pics, as we devour them.
Go be Rawsome!
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Day 3
Starting off with the usual smoothie (see Day 1). And lots of water.
I did some research last night on a possible chronic case of eczema or psoriasis, which I've been "battling" for nearly 10 years. It's always been intermittent and discrete, so I've never really pursued a solution or treatment. However, recently (like within the past 2 years), it's become more persistent and more noticeable.
After extensive research (that goes beyond last night), I've found a few avenues to try. I'm sharing this with my blog readers, because I know these particular skin ailments are fairly common.
It looks as though eczema is often the symptom of food allergies. The primary allergies which express themselves as this chronic skin condition are:
Wheat (Gluten)
Soy
Dairy
Yeast
Sugar
Nickel (found in a lot of foods)
Clearly it's not dairy that I am reacting to, as the condition worsened around the time I eliminated dairy from my diet. I don't eat much wheat, but there is gluten in most meat substitutes. On that same token, I have a high-soy diet (between tofu, seitan, edamame, and tempeh), and I can probably trace some skin condition back to my late teens, when I began eating soy products, so this might be the smoking gun. I eliminated yeast once, and didn't note a remarkable difference in the condition, but it wasn't as bad back then. I didn't begin consuming products with yeast in them, on a regular basis, until about 2 years ago, another correlation. The sugar claim is unclear, as I couldn't find a resource that specified if this was refined cane sugar, all cane sugar, or any kind of sugar source. Evidently, nickel is in a lot of my diet (nuts, legumes, some fruits, soy, etc).
So here's the plan:
Since I'm doing this 10-day cleanse, anyway, and have eliminated everything except nuts from the list, I should notice a difference in the severity of my skin ailment. If it clears and remains clear for 2 weeks, I will gradually reintroduce each food back into my diet, a week at a time, to test for reactions.
In the meantime, I've read a lot of success stories from others who suffer from the same discomfort, after adding Acidophilis to their daily supplements, as well as relief from Aquaphor Ointment. Today, I stopped at Earth Fare and picked up a bottle of Probiotics with Acidophilis to try.
I'm also concerned that I may be allergic to garlic, so if all else fails, I will eliminate that and see where it leads. My fingers are crossed that this isn't the culprit, because I adore garlic and use it in most of my cooking (and un-cooking!), and it's SOOO good for you!
My meal plan today is unimpressive, due to my pressing schedule:
Smoothie
Larabar(s)
Cashews
Water
and probably lots of raw veggies and hummus for work snacks.
I did some research last night on a possible chronic case of eczema or psoriasis, which I've been "battling" for nearly 10 years. It's always been intermittent and discrete, so I've never really pursued a solution or treatment. However, recently (like within the past 2 years), it's become more persistent and more noticeable.
After extensive research (that goes beyond last night), I've found a few avenues to try. I'm sharing this with my blog readers, because I know these particular skin ailments are fairly common.
It looks as though eczema is often the symptom of food allergies. The primary allergies which express themselves as this chronic skin condition are:
Wheat (Gluten)
Soy
Dairy
Yeast
Sugar
Nickel (found in a lot of foods)
Clearly it's not dairy that I am reacting to, as the condition worsened around the time I eliminated dairy from my diet. I don't eat much wheat, but there is gluten in most meat substitutes. On that same token, I have a high-soy diet (between tofu, seitan, edamame, and tempeh), and I can probably trace some skin condition back to my late teens, when I began eating soy products, so this might be the smoking gun. I eliminated yeast once, and didn't note a remarkable difference in the condition, but it wasn't as bad back then. I didn't begin consuming products with yeast in them, on a regular basis, until about 2 years ago, another correlation. The sugar claim is unclear, as I couldn't find a resource that specified if this was refined cane sugar, all cane sugar, or any kind of sugar source. Evidently, nickel is in a lot of my diet (nuts, legumes, some fruits, soy, etc).
So here's the plan:
Since I'm doing this 10-day cleanse, anyway, and have eliminated everything except nuts from the list, I should notice a difference in the severity of my skin ailment. If it clears and remains clear for 2 weeks, I will gradually reintroduce each food back into my diet, a week at a time, to test for reactions.
In the meantime, I've read a lot of success stories from others who suffer from the same discomfort, after adding Acidophilis to their daily supplements, as well as relief from Aquaphor Ointment. Today, I stopped at Earth Fare and picked up a bottle of Probiotics with Acidophilis to try.
I'm also concerned that I may be allergic to garlic, so if all else fails, I will eliminate that and see where it leads. My fingers are crossed that this isn't the culprit, because I adore garlic and use it in most of my cooking (and un-cooking!), and it's SOOO good for you!
My meal plan today is unimpressive, due to my pressing schedule:
Smoothie
Larabar(s)
Cashews
Water
and probably lots of raw veggies and hummus for work snacks.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Raw Popcorn???
Yep!
BF, with his nightly craving for a salty snack, googled Raw Popcorn
...and found it!
We tried it. It's darn good. Here's how:
A head of cauliflower
A LOT of nutritional yeast (to taste, but enough to coat)
Salt
That's it.
Put it all in a ziplock bag and shake it.
You can eat it fresh, or dehydrated.
We went al fresco, since we haven't splurged on our dehydrator yet
(though I have a feeling this will change by the end of the month).
Here's a video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0HidehB5uyQ
BF, with his nightly craving for a salty snack, googled Raw Popcorn
...and found it!
We tried it. It's darn good. Here's how:
A head of cauliflower
A LOT of nutritional yeast (to taste, but enough to coat)
Salt
That's it.
Put it all in a ziplock bag and shake it.
You can eat it fresh, or dehydrated.
We went al fresco, since we haven't splurged on our dehydrator yet
(though I have a feeling this will change by the end of the month).
Here's a video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0HidehB5uyQ
Day 2
Back to the books...and the hectic schedule...and the chaos...and the time-crunching!
Mondays are tough; after a weekend of working late nights, driving the kiddo to and from a visit with dad, and catching up on homework and housework, my alarm disturbs my restless slumber at 6:30 AM for an 8:00 class (how is anyone supposed to absorb and process anything about plant biology prior to 10 AM on a Monday morning???)...every Monday. *YAWN*
Still, it's no excuse for letting my resolve dissolve.
I left a note for BF with instructions on how to make his morning smoothie, which I will be deprived of today. In the meantime, I grabbed the following snacks for myself, to sustain my long day on campus:
a banana
a Larabar
an apple
a box of raw nuts
and my water bottle
This should be sufficient to curb my hunger through 5:15, when I'm free to flee.
Tonight, I think we're going to hit up the delectable salad bar at Greenlife for dinner.
Cheers!
Mondays are tough; after a weekend of working late nights, driving the kiddo to and from a visit with dad, and catching up on homework and housework, my alarm disturbs my restless slumber at 6:30 AM for an 8:00 class (how is anyone supposed to absorb and process anything about plant biology prior to 10 AM on a Monday morning???)...every Monday. *YAWN*
Still, it's no excuse for letting my resolve dissolve.
I left a note for BF with instructions on how to make his morning smoothie, which I will be deprived of today. In the meantime, I grabbed the following snacks for myself, to sustain my long day on campus:
a banana
a Larabar
an apple
a box of raw nuts
and my water bottle
This should be sufficient to curb my hunger through 5:15, when I'm free to flee.
Tonight, I think we're going to hit up the delectable salad bar at Greenlife for dinner.
Cheers!
High Raw Baby!
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Day 1
Breakfast:
A bag of frozen organic berries, a package of Greens+, one banana,
3 tbsp of hempseeds, and apple juice!
3 tbsp of hempseeds, and apple juice!
"Lunch:"
This is actually my second serving of mixed raw nuts today
(cashews, pepitas, peanuts, sunflower seeds).
I'm still pretty full from the smoothie and nuts from 2 hours ago,
so my portions here are small.
Of course, I'm drinking lots of water!
Remember, you need half of your body weight in ounces of water every day!
I'm finishing my 24th oz of water presently, with about 36 to go.
(cashews, pepitas, peanuts, sunflower seeds).
I'm still pretty full from the smoothie and nuts from 2 hours ago,
so my portions here are small.
Of course, I'm drinking lots of water!
Remember, you need half of your body weight in ounces of water every day!
I'm finishing my 24th oz of water presently, with about 36 to go.
Snacks:
Larabar, Raw Revolution, Yogi Bar, Raw Organic, and...
(Yes, you read that right) Raw Fudge Brownie
(Yes, you read that right) Raw Fudge Brownie
Dinner:
Rice-less Sushi:
Sweet Potatoes, Asparagus, Almond Butter, Nori, Avocado
(I'm still perfecting the avocado presentation)
I soaked the veggies in very hot water (removed from heat)
for 3 hours to soften them.
Sweet Potatoes, Asparagus, Almond Butter, Nori, Avocado
(I'm still perfecting the avocado presentation)
I soaked the veggies in very hot water (removed from heat)
for 3 hours to soften them.
Bonus:
Yep, there's a Raw One for Men, too!
Saturday, February 5, 2011
5...4...3...2...1...Happy New You!
It's the morning before Day 1 of our detox and we're gearing up to go grocery shopping! Over the course of the next 10 days, we will be aiming to cleanse our bodies of acidity, impurities, and toxins which disrupt our endocrine systems (which are found in food AND the environment!). We're going all alkaline and all raw for 10 days, starting tomorrow. This will include lots of juicing (and smoothies!!!), and some creative snacking and entrees. We don't have meals completely mapped out yet, though, because I'm trying a new (healthier) approach: Eating All Day Long! Of course we all know that it is important to listen to our bodies, yet how many of us actually do that?
This week, we are striving to eat when we're hungry and stop BEFORE we're full. This will likely equate to healthy snacking nearly every hour of the waking day. So our shopping spree will consist of seeking out raw snack food, like fresh fruits and veggies, hummus, and maybe some quick and easy raw food bars (like Lara, mmm). My theory is that our bodies will tell us when to eat and when to stop, if we just listen. So if I'm hungry when I wake up, I'll have a smoothie, and as soon as the feeling of hunger relents, I will stop and wait for the next one. It's common sense!
I will stop by tomorrow with an update from the kitchen...
This week, we are striving to eat when we're hungry and stop BEFORE we're full. This will likely equate to healthy snacking nearly every hour of the waking day. So our shopping spree will consist of seeking out raw snack food, like fresh fruits and veggies, hummus, and maybe some quick and easy raw food bars (like Lara, mmm). My theory is that our bodies will tell us when to eat and when to stop, if we just listen. So if I'm hungry when I wake up, I'll have a smoothie, and as soon as the feeling of hunger relents, I will stop and wait for the next one. It's common sense!
I will stop by tomorrow with an update from the kitchen...
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Rawr! Not So FAST!
Happy February, Everyone!
I'm feeling energized and inspired today. Why? Because, it's the start of a new week, the start of a new month, and still pretty darn close to the start of a new year. The possibilities are ENDLESS!
Or maybe I just feel great, because I've started my morning off with a tropical fruit smoothie, loaded with mangoes, pineapple, bananas, orange juice and, of course, hemp seed powder. MMM!!!
Typically, I try to steer clear of acidic fruit, especially in my morning smoothie, but I've had these bags of frozen organic fruit in my freezer for far too long, and it was time to put them to good use. Plus, this coming Sunday, it's time for another raw cleanse. Care to join me?
My boyfriend has been struggling with his weight lately, due to a number of contributing factors:
High Stress
Low Energy
Limited Physical Activity
Late-Night Snacking
Ceasing the use of Medications (which seem to have kept him "artificially thin")
You see, we moved somewhat recently, and we've both been adjusting to life in a new home and a new town. Neither of us has kept up our fitness regimen, and I've been busy with a new job, a new school, and taking care of my sweet girl. He left his job to move here and didn't begin working again until mid-January, acting as my live-in nanny most days, so life for both of us has been fairly sedentary. However, we have taken up Yoga and the BF is religious about attending twice a week! I've been doing "living-room fitness" while watching Miami Ink, late at night. This actually works well for me, because I sleep like a dream after a gentle workout!
Out of frustration, BF (as he will be lovingly referred to, in order to maintain anonymity) has recently threatened a 10-day fast. Fasting to lose weight is dangerous and ineffective. This is not a good move. I had to do some "fast-talking" (pun intended) to curb his enthusiasm for this plan, for his own good, so I have vowed to help him get the excess weight off, and keep it off, through improving his dietary downfalls (of which there are many).
You see, the three of us residing together is somewhat of a stumbling block, as I am a vegan, my daughter is a vegetarian, and BF is a pescatarian, with the occasional venture into omnivory. This makes grocery shopping and meal planning difficult for me. I like to keep healthy snacks around for my daughter (mostly to pack in her lunch, but also to buy me time while I'm preparing dinner at night). These have proven irresistible for BF. He's a snacker, which is great, but he gravitates toward the processed, prepackaged "kid food" I keep on hand for...well...the kid.
Granted, our processed, prepackaged "kid food" beats the chips, cookies, candy, and soda of most American households, but even friendlier food, such as organic, fruit-sweetened, oatmeal animal crackers, organic "real-cheese" cheddar bunnies, and organic, whole wheat, "real-fruit" pop tarts can have their drawbacks! First of all, they still contain simple carbs and, thus, empty calories. Second, they offer no real nutritional benefit, and third, eating "kid food" in adult quantities, especially late at night, can really sabotage any effort to stay fit and healthy. Yet, as many times as we have discussed this tendency, he persists.
Therefore, I'm forced to reform the kitchen and our diets.
We all eat a good deal of raw foods, as they are incorporated into every meal, and my loves both love raw fruits and veggies! However, I think I'm going to have to make more of an effort to keep truly healthy snacks on hand for both of them. I'm afraid this means finding the time to wash and cut fruits and veggies ahead of time, for quick and easy snacking. I'm hoping that, if I do this, when BF opens the fridge and sees that a small salad is just a handful of fresh, brightly-colored, prepared veggies away, he'll opt for that, over the drab, cardboard box of tan cookies.
I'm convinced that 10 days of raw will yield better benefits than 10 days of forcing his body into starvation mode, encouraging it to feed off of his store or muscle proteins, depleting his energy, and preventing him from getting physical exercise. Call me crazy!
Valentine's Day is the deadline. 6 pounds is the goal. Let's see if the centuries-old method of eating close to nature and close to home can win him over for good! :)
Love you, BF!!!
I'm feeling energized and inspired today. Why? Because, it's the start of a new week, the start of a new month, and still pretty darn close to the start of a new year. The possibilities are ENDLESS!
Or maybe I just feel great, because I've started my morning off with a tropical fruit smoothie, loaded with mangoes, pineapple, bananas, orange juice and, of course, hemp seed powder. MMM!!!
Typically, I try to steer clear of acidic fruit, especially in my morning smoothie, but I've had these bags of frozen organic fruit in my freezer for far too long, and it was time to put them to good use. Plus, this coming Sunday, it's time for another raw cleanse. Care to join me?
My boyfriend has been struggling with his weight lately, due to a number of contributing factors:
High Stress
Low Energy
Limited Physical Activity
Late-Night Snacking
Ceasing the use of Medications (which seem to have kept him "artificially thin")
You see, we moved somewhat recently, and we've both been adjusting to life in a new home and a new town. Neither of us has kept up our fitness regimen, and I've been busy with a new job, a new school, and taking care of my sweet girl. He left his job to move here and didn't begin working again until mid-January, acting as my live-in nanny most days, so life for both of us has been fairly sedentary. However, we have taken up Yoga and the BF is religious about attending twice a week! I've been doing "living-room fitness" while watching Miami Ink, late at night. This actually works well for me, because I sleep like a dream after a gentle workout!
Out of frustration, BF (as he will be lovingly referred to, in order to maintain anonymity) has recently threatened a 10-day fast. Fasting to lose weight is dangerous and ineffective. This is not a good move. I had to do some "fast-talking" (pun intended) to curb his enthusiasm for this plan, for his own good, so I have vowed to help him get the excess weight off, and keep it off, through improving his dietary downfalls (of which there are many).
You see, the three of us residing together is somewhat of a stumbling block, as I am a vegan, my daughter is a vegetarian, and BF is a pescatarian, with the occasional venture into omnivory. This makes grocery shopping and meal planning difficult for me. I like to keep healthy snacks around for my daughter (mostly to pack in her lunch, but also to buy me time while I'm preparing dinner at night). These have proven irresistible for BF. He's a snacker, which is great, but he gravitates toward the processed, prepackaged "kid food" I keep on hand for...well...the kid.
Granted, our processed, prepackaged "kid food" beats the chips, cookies, candy, and soda of most American households, but even friendlier food, such as organic, fruit-sweetened, oatmeal animal crackers, organic "real-cheese" cheddar bunnies, and organic, whole wheat, "real-fruit" pop tarts can have their drawbacks! First of all, they still contain simple carbs and, thus, empty calories. Second, they offer no real nutritional benefit, and third, eating "kid food" in adult quantities, especially late at night, can really sabotage any effort to stay fit and healthy. Yet, as many times as we have discussed this tendency, he persists.
Therefore, I'm forced to reform the kitchen and our diets.
We all eat a good deal of raw foods, as they are incorporated into every meal, and my loves both love raw fruits and veggies! However, I think I'm going to have to make more of an effort to keep truly healthy snacks on hand for both of them. I'm afraid this means finding the time to wash and cut fruits and veggies ahead of time, for quick and easy snacking. I'm hoping that, if I do this, when BF opens the fridge and sees that a small salad is just a handful of fresh, brightly-colored, prepared veggies away, he'll opt for that, over the drab, cardboard box of tan cookies.
I'm convinced that 10 days of raw will yield better benefits than 10 days of forcing his body into starvation mode, encouraging it to feed off of his store or muscle proteins, depleting his energy, and preventing him from getting physical exercise. Call me crazy!
Valentine's Day is the deadline. 6 pounds is the goal. Let's see if the centuries-old method of eating close to nature and close to home can win him over for good! :)
Love you, BF!!!
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