Continuing with the raw...

Busy, busy, busy these days. I haven't had the time to dedicate anything to this blog but I am happy to report I did in fact get 30 days of raw in....and as of now - my days remain mostly raw. I naturally find it simple and satisfying to have a smoothie for breakfast, fruit for snacks and a salad for lunch and or dinner. I have been having some warm vegetarian food because I miss it. My next goal is to get good at making lentil curries, soups and stews - yummy! Food is great and I've learned so much from going raw. What a great journey getting back to appreciating REAL food and I never want it to end.

Yummy dinner tonight I made a quinoa dish but ended up cooking the quinoa because it was pretty gross soaked as the recipe called for. Added some kale salad to the plate and had my first taste of the kefir - fabulous! I will have to ask Debbie how to get more carbonation though, it had the flavour but not a lot of bubbles. I like lots of bubbles!! I threw some frozen banana into the food processor and some cacoa nibs and shredded coconut. Mmm, instant soft ice cream!

So I just checked the calendar and wow, I have almost done my 30 days...I plan to add a couple days because I slipped up on a few meals. I feel like I've learned so much yet have so much to learn. Does that makes sense?

This way of eating has brought on a range of emotions from intense euphoria to anxiousness and anger. It has been quite the experience. I am learning a lot about detoxing the body. Although I would say I am only mildly detoxing since I made an effort to keep from going too far while breastfeeding.

There have been some weird and wacky things happening that I am better off not discussing on a blog. lol...raw food - pretty crazy stuff!

My very own Kefir farm!

Thanks again to my sister in law for the Kefir hook-up! She had me try Kefir a long time ago and I instantly liked it. The way she brews it, gives it a nice lightly carbonated, slightly sweet and sour (lemonade) taste. If you drink enough of it, it actually goes straight to your head because of the fermentation. I am researching more about the benefits of Kefir but the main thing is it's ability to add probiotics to your system. Something I could definitely benefit from after my previous repeat strep throat ordeal. Which btw (knock on wood) has not return since going raw. Hmm!

I made a refreshing fennel salad with lemon and olive oil, nuts and beans. (Inspired by Linda and Mike :) Watermelon: the perfect dessert on a hot day like today!

Raw support...

I grew up in a family of carnivores and my family always made sure I ate well. I adore the food my Mom makes, yet times like this I am eternally grateful that my in-laws are mostly vegetarian/vegan.

We went to visit family this weekend and we stayed with my sister and brother in-law. They have been vegetarian for longer than I can remember and are well versed in raw cuisine. It was awesome!! I didn't have to survive salads alone as my sister in-law thoughtfully prepared some wonderful raw sushi, smoothies and dehydrated burgers. It was so cool. Thank you Debbie!

My Mom (who doesn't know I am eating this way) did happen to make a rockin fresh salsa - which goes to show you can find healthy bites anywhere :)

Family, sunshine, clean food and fireworks make for a fantastic weekend.

I am truly a lucky gal!

Kale: Cheers to you!

Oh Kale - where have you been all my life? Long before I knew your name I'd pass you by in the produce aisle. I'd wonder what type of personality you had: sweet, bitter, earthy? How would we get along in the kitchen? Well I am sure glad we met in 2010!

I am giving a great big cheers to kale today! I absolutely LOVE kale and it is on pace to knock out my long time sweetheart asparagus, sorry asparagus.

It's such a great addition to anyone's diet and honestly one of the main reasons I am able to sustain myself on a raw diet. It fills me up and gives me such a mellow feeling, I am in true bliss after eating this wonderful veggie!

"Massaged" kale is by far the most palate friendly way to consume Kale. I love this recipe...Wash the leaves and cut into ribbon type pieces and add: olive oil, tahini, sea salt, agave nectar, lemon juice and cayenne pepper to taste. Next add raw cashews, red cabbage or whatever else you like...delish!

Mike and Linda if you read this - toasted kale rocks too!!! I made it to see if Van will try it :) I know Derek will love it. I challenge you to try this: Wash kale leaves and cut leaves in half, coat with olive oil and sea salt...spread onto cookie sheet and back @ 350 degrees until wilted/slightly brown. It is so yummy and it does rival that of potato chips!

Give Kale a chance - you won't be disappointed!

Cheers!

My lunch today: shredded red cabbage with sunflower and hemp seeds, mango, cashews and raisins. I tossed some sesame seed oil, lime and apple cider vinegar on top. Delish!

So is eating raw cheap? I believe the answer is yes and no. If you simply want to eat traditional raw food (kinda like I've been doing) then yes very cheap but the more gourmet you get the more you have to stock your pantry. Irish Moss?! That's a special order...things like that are annoying. I try to find substitutes or leave them out because I know the Chef is simply just adding it for nutrition and not for taste.

I must say nowadays a trip to the Bulk food barn does make me wince. The price of nuts does rival that of steak. Which makes me seek out more seed based recipes. One head of kale can last me 4 meals - impressive!! It's all a learning experience!