Hello Loves!
I have migrated my blog over to wordpress.com, as it will better facilitate the blogging/website integration process for me.
I do genuinely hope that you will follow me over there and check out my new posts this year! It is my goal to make this New Year the most delicious and enjoyable experience I have ever had and I invite you to join me!
My first post is about the sprouting process and includes photos, a sprouting chart, etc!
http://www.rawchefandrea.wordpress.com
All of the old posts have been exported there as well, so the old content will remain and be invigorated with new, fun adventures and posts!
See you there!
Love,
Andrea
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Goodbye Motivation, Hello Inspiration....
Morning One without coffee and I am present to so many things:
Peppermint Tea is wonderful and delicious. It also makes my tummy feel a lot better than coffee. It is soothing. I'll admit, there is a part of me that enjoys that burning sensation in my gut when I drink coffee, somehow, it's motivating. But, I am shifting toward inspiration and away from motivation. There is a distinct difference between the two and I am really getting into touch with that.
I never would have thought that having coffee each morning was staving off so many feelings. Feelings that I am now 'feeling'. Like, sadness, fear, overwhelment. This morning, I have cried. Things that I felt were so laid out and set in stone seemingly have become temporarily disrupted and although I am aware of the 'temporariness' of it, I still feel defeated and lost. I saw a beautiful video this morning and it and blew my heart wide open, I loved it.
Had I had that cup of coffee this morning, I would not have acknowledged these feelings, I would have just powered on through them and put myself in a state of frenzy and distraction with emails, work, working out, etc.
Mind you, there lies an undercurrent of happiness and contentment which is always present in my life anymore, the difference now is that I am not afraid to acknowledge the fear and sadness when it comes up. I also do my best not to cover it up with anger. I just FEEL IT. I am grateful I have the time and space to tend to these things in my heart, I am very blessed with that.
Today, I have a Christmas wish and that wish is for eternal warmth in my heart and the ability to spread kindness to everyone and everything in my path; what an amazing gift that would be.
I am present also to humility. To acknowledging that I can't force things into being, that things take time and nourishing and patience and love. This is all things.
Today is a yoga day and for this I am grateful, as I don't feel like going to the gym. It is also a stay home all day day. A nourish my soul day. A rest day.
I have a tension headache - probably from a lack of coffee - a headache I am happy to have, as it means that my body is detoxifying and I am getting out of the way. I have noticed a huge change in my appearance already, which tells me wonderful things are happening on the inside. Within hours of drinking a carrot/jalapeno juice (now that was a kick in the pants), the redness under my skin had disappeared. A while later, after having a green juice, I could feel my joints in my body differently. I am able to notice these things and am so appreciative to be able to tune in and take notice of the benefits and healing power of putting good things in my body - and keeping not so good things out.
This morning, upon waking, there was no puffiness in my face or under my eyes. I feel a sense of clarity, of impending awe. For this, I am truly grateful. The path to enlightenment isn't always easy, but it is a wonderful journey that I am so happy to have begun.
Until next time,
Love,
Andrea
Peppermint Tea is wonderful and delicious. It also makes my tummy feel a lot better than coffee. It is soothing. I'll admit, there is a part of me that enjoys that burning sensation in my gut when I drink coffee, somehow, it's motivating. But, I am shifting toward inspiration and away from motivation. There is a distinct difference between the two and I am really getting into touch with that.
I never would have thought that having coffee each morning was staving off so many feelings. Feelings that I am now 'feeling'. Like, sadness, fear, overwhelment. This morning, I have cried. Things that I felt were so laid out and set in stone seemingly have become temporarily disrupted and although I am aware of the 'temporariness' of it, I still feel defeated and lost. I saw a beautiful video this morning and it and blew my heart wide open, I loved it.
Had I had that cup of coffee this morning, I would not have acknowledged these feelings, I would have just powered on through them and put myself in a state of frenzy and distraction with emails, work, working out, etc.
Mind you, there lies an undercurrent of happiness and contentment which is always present in my life anymore, the difference now is that I am not afraid to acknowledge the fear and sadness when it comes up. I also do my best not to cover it up with anger. I just FEEL IT. I am grateful I have the time and space to tend to these things in my heart, I am very blessed with that.
Today, I have a Christmas wish and that wish is for eternal warmth in my heart and the ability to spread kindness to everyone and everything in my path; what an amazing gift that would be.
I am present also to humility. To acknowledging that I can't force things into being, that things take time and nourishing and patience and love. This is all things.
Today is a yoga day and for this I am grateful, as I don't feel like going to the gym. It is also a stay home all day day. A nourish my soul day. A rest day.
I have a tension headache - probably from a lack of coffee - a headache I am happy to have, as it means that my body is detoxifying and I am getting out of the way. I have noticed a huge change in my appearance already, which tells me wonderful things are happening on the inside. Within hours of drinking a carrot/jalapeno juice (now that was a kick in the pants), the redness under my skin had disappeared. A while later, after having a green juice, I could feel my joints in my body differently. I am able to notice these things and am so appreciative to be able to tune in and take notice of the benefits and healing power of putting good things in my body - and keeping not so good things out.
This morning, upon waking, there was no puffiness in my face or under my eyes. I feel a sense of clarity, of impending awe. For this, I am truly grateful. The path to enlightenment isn't always easy, but it is a wonderful journey that I am so happy to have begun.
Until next time,
Love,
Andrea
Monday, December 19, 2011
It Ain't Easy Going Green.....and Other Lies I Tell Myself
Today marks an important landmark: I am getting back on the green juice horse.
Not only that, but I am going on a green juice fast after I finish the rest of the food in my fridge.
For almost a year, I have been leaned back on my haunches, allowing my body to heal up, and 'waiting' for a signal that the time is right. I got that signal today: I GOT FED UP.
Fed up with 'needing' coffee every morning (ok, ok, and NIGHT) - although with this blessed rainy day, I can feel my little brain screaming "Ahh, won't it taste and smell so good? What about all that sleep you didn't get last night? I don't care if it is acidic and make your skin all mottled and blotchy - I WANT SOME!" Too bad, brain/body, you will thank me in a few days. So, I got some peppermint tea - which really helps me to stifle cravings for pretty much anything. There is also a wonderful coffee substitute out there called Teecino (www.teecino.com). I really love it.
My body will also thank me in a few days for what I am not putting in it: junk food. OF ANY KIND. No more processed stuff. PLAIN AND SIMPLE. I am terrified of Christmas dinner right now, I want it so bad - well, at least a part of me does - the fat part. No, I'm not fat, but inside of all of us is a little fat kid waiting to get at that buffet! This is what discipline is all about. I will walk up to those mashed potatoes and give them the finger! As soon as food stops being a source of short-term relief - and entertainment - beautiful things are going to really blossom.
What's behind all of this, you ask? Plain and simple: VANITY - and of course, long term health, but vanity is at the forefront - and frankly, I'm really fine with that. If my ego helps me to eat better, exercise and do things that truly make me feel and look radiant, I say GREAT.
When it comes to looking good, green juice, whole, unprocessed - and mostly uncooked - foods (and of course, exercise) really do the trick. Something about all of that chlorophyll and those phytonutrients really lends to bodily/facial symmetry and a yummy, sexy glow. But why now? I'm 30! Isn't it time to just accept that I'm getting older? Sure! I am super happy - most of the time - about being 30. I am really coming into who I truly am, and part of that person I truly am isn't into sacrificing long term health for short-term satisfaction and entertainment - which is exactly what coffee and other things I have consumed up until this morning, are for me. Maybe that isn't what they are to you, but for me, that's just the plain truth.
I know that some of my social interaction will decrease as a result of this, but I am kind of happy about that. I have so much to occupy my time with that I really cannot afford to do things that take me out of focus. If it is something enjoyable - ok, but lately I have noticed myself just wishing I was home while I was hanging out with some of my friends. I love them, I really, really do! They are wonderful, beautiful people. But, when we hang out, I find myself doing what they're doing just to be a part of the crew - except the drinking, I am really not into alcohol. I sit around with them, eat food that, deep down inside, I find to be pretty gross, and watch them drink and get sloppy...and all the while, in my mind, I'm thinking - dang, I could be at home right now, in my little haven, snuggled up with my little one and watching Lost. Or better yet, in the middle of a yoga tape, or doing some bellydancing drills, finishing up my not cookbook, etc. I just find myself thinking that I could be doing more fruitful things with my time than watching people get wasted and eating food that is going to derail my poop train.
Which brings me to now:
On top of this year being the year that I will get into/be in the best physical, mental, financial and spiritual shape of my life, I ALSO HAVE A PHOTO SHOOT COMING UP ON JANUARY 3rd and I want to look AMAZING for it. A lot of the things I am consuming right now simply aren't conducive to that goal! I want my shiny, sparkly hair back. My gorgeous, glowing skin. Bright, sparkly eyes that say "I'll meet you at the comet with the rest of my cult <falls off her chair laughing>". Really though! I have been happy with what I see when I look in the mirror up to this point - for the most part. However, I can feel a growing sense of dissatisfaction and know that I can do more, be more, etc. I don't think I'll look back when I'm older and wish I hadn't really 'gone for it'.
I have started an amazing new workout, and I love it. It's a combination of weights and 'cardio'. I put 'cardio' in quotes because I am WALKING! Generally, an hour each day - I get 2 hours of childcare with my YMCA membership, so I am taking FULL ON ADVANTAGE of that! Anyway, I walk for the first 20 minutes at about 3.8 mph on a level 5 incline. Then, the second 20 minutes at 3.3-3.5 mph at a level 10 (or 7 =D) . The last 20 are whatever. And sometimes, the whole hour is whatever. Actually, somedays it's a 1/2 hour. It really depends. The point is, I am getting cardio that is great for my knees and joints and it keeps me in the 'fat burning' zone, rather than the 'endurance' zone. I could care less if I can run 6 miles, my goal is to burn fat, not run a marathon. And I would prefer to do it at a pace that is enjoyable enough for me to want to go back every other day and do it. It's kind of hard to justify not making it to the gym because I 'didn't feel like walking today'. Ya dig? When there's no feasible excuse, there's only accomplishment.
As far as the weights go, it's a really low weight. The point is to work my muscles, but not enough to be really sore - according to my new trainer, that is what builds that 'bulky' look. Since what I'm going for is a fitness model/bikini body, the emphasis is in different places than the traditional approach to weightlifting. I'll talk more about this later.
Many great things on the horizon, once my new camera gets here, I'll post some new pictures so you can see my progress. I'm super excited about this, and I WILL have my bikini body back by this summer, so WATCH OUT.
Also, this year, I am teaching almost EVERY SATURDAY of the month. I will also be giving a FREE TALK about the benefits of adding more fruits and vegetables to your diet at least once - if not two or three times - per week at various venues. This is really exciting! So, if you have ever been curious about raw food and how to incorporate it into your life in delicious and enjoyable ways, now is a great time to get yourself started, as there will be A TON of opportunity for you to explore this wonderful cuisine and add lots of yummy fruits and veggies to your diet.
For my class schedule (once I put it up), click here: http://www.rawinwichita.com
Until next time.....
Love,
Andrea
Not only that, but I am going on a green juice fast after I finish the rest of the food in my fridge.
For almost a year, I have been leaned back on my haunches, allowing my body to heal up, and 'waiting' for a signal that the time is right. I got that signal today: I GOT FED UP.
Fed up with 'needing' coffee every morning (ok, ok, and NIGHT) - although with this blessed rainy day, I can feel my little brain screaming "Ahh, won't it taste and smell so good? What about all that sleep you didn't get last night? I don't care if it is acidic and make your skin all mottled and blotchy - I WANT SOME!" Too bad, brain/body, you will thank me in a few days. So, I got some peppermint tea - which really helps me to stifle cravings for pretty much anything. There is also a wonderful coffee substitute out there called Teecino (www.teecino.com). I really love it.
My body will also thank me in a few days for what I am not putting in it: junk food. OF ANY KIND. No more processed stuff. PLAIN AND SIMPLE. I am terrified of Christmas dinner right now, I want it so bad - well, at least a part of me does - the fat part. No, I'm not fat, but inside of all of us is a little fat kid waiting to get at that buffet! This is what discipline is all about. I will walk up to those mashed potatoes and give them the finger! As soon as food stops being a source of short-term relief - and entertainment - beautiful things are going to really blossom.
What's behind all of this, you ask? Plain and simple: VANITY - and of course, long term health, but vanity is at the forefront - and frankly, I'm really fine with that. If my ego helps me to eat better, exercise and do things that truly make me feel and look radiant, I say GREAT.
When it comes to looking good, green juice, whole, unprocessed - and mostly uncooked - foods (and of course, exercise) really do the trick. Something about all of that chlorophyll and those phytonutrients really lends to bodily/facial symmetry and a yummy, sexy glow. But why now? I'm 30! Isn't it time to just accept that I'm getting older? Sure! I am super happy - most of the time - about being 30. I am really coming into who I truly am, and part of that person I truly am isn't into sacrificing long term health for short-term satisfaction and entertainment - which is exactly what coffee and other things I have consumed up until this morning, are for me. Maybe that isn't what they are to you, but for me, that's just the plain truth.
I know that some of my social interaction will decrease as a result of this, but I am kind of happy about that. I have so much to occupy my time with that I really cannot afford to do things that take me out of focus. If it is something enjoyable - ok, but lately I have noticed myself just wishing I was home while I was hanging out with some of my friends. I love them, I really, really do! They are wonderful, beautiful people. But, when we hang out, I find myself doing what they're doing just to be a part of the crew - except the drinking, I am really not into alcohol. I sit around with them, eat food that, deep down inside, I find to be pretty gross, and watch them drink and get sloppy...and all the while, in my mind, I'm thinking - dang, I could be at home right now, in my little haven, snuggled up with my little one and watching Lost. Or better yet, in the middle of a yoga tape, or doing some bellydancing drills, finishing up my not cookbook, etc. I just find myself thinking that I could be doing more fruitful things with my time than watching people get wasted and eating food that is going to derail my poop train.
Which brings me to now:
On top of this year being the year that I will get into/be in the best physical, mental, financial and spiritual shape of my life, I ALSO HAVE A PHOTO SHOOT COMING UP ON JANUARY 3rd and I want to look AMAZING for it. A lot of the things I am consuming right now simply aren't conducive to that goal! I want my shiny, sparkly hair back. My gorgeous, glowing skin. Bright, sparkly eyes that say "I'll meet you at the comet with the rest of my cult <falls off her chair laughing>". Really though! I have been happy with what I see when I look in the mirror up to this point - for the most part. However, I can feel a growing sense of dissatisfaction and know that I can do more, be more, etc. I don't think I'll look back when I'm older and wish I hadn't really 'gone for it'.
I have started an amazing new workout, and I love it. It's a combination of weights and 'cardio'. I put 'cardio' in quotes because I am WALKING! Generally, an hour each day - I get 2 hours of childcare with my YMCA membership, so I am taking FULL ON ADVANTAGE of that! Anyway, I walk for the first 20 minutes at about 3.8 mph on a level 5 incline. Then, the second 20 minutes at 3.3-3.5 mph at a level 10 (or 7 =D) . The last 20 are whatever. And sometimes, the whole hour is whatever. Actually, somedays it's a 1/2 hour. It really depends. The point is, I am getting cardio that is great for my knees and joints and it keeps me in the 'fat burning' zone, rather than the 'endurance' zone. I could care less if I can run 6 miles, my goal is to burn fat, not run a marathon. And I would prefer to do it at a pace that is enjoyable enough for me to want to go back every other day and do it. It's kind of hard to justify not making it to the gym because I 'didn't feel like walking today'. Ya dig? When there's no feasible excuse, there's only accomplishment.
As far as the weights go, it's a really low weight. The point is to work my muscles, but not enough to be really sore - according to my new trainer, that is what builds that 'bulky' look. Since what I'm going for is a fitness model/bikini body, the emphasis is in different places than the traditional approach to weightlifting. I'll talk more about this later.
Many great things on the horizon, once my new camera gets here, I'll post some new pictures so you can see my progress. I'm super excited about this, and I WILL have my bikini body back by this summer, so WATCH OUT.
Also, this year, I am teaching almost EVERY SATURDAY of the month. I will also be giving a FREE TALK about the benefits of adding more fruits and vegetables to your diet at least once - if not two or three times - per week at various venues. This is really exciting! So, if you have ever been curious about raw food and how to incorporate it into your life in delicious and enjoyable ways, now is a great time to get yourself started, as there will be A TON of opportunity for you to explore this wonderful cuisine and add lots of yummy fruits and veggies to your diet.
For my class schedule (once I put it up), click here: http://www.rawinwichita.com
Until next time.....
Love,
Andrea
Saturday, December 10, 2011
100 Things I Am Grateful For
0. My darling daughter, Aya
1. Perseverance
2. Divine feminine energy
3. Meditation
4. Relaxation
5. Love
6. Soul Music
7. My AWESOME friends
8. People that I 'don't like' that show me all of the parts about me I need to accept
9. Struggle
10. Spending Fast
11. Breakfast
12. Coffee
13. Lovers
14. Delight
15. My many talents
16. My wonderful, warm, cozy, beautiful house
17. Beauty
18. Darkness
19. Light
20. Smoothies
21. Veggies
22. Nuts (all of us)
23. My darling lil baby
24. People who can sing
25. Mac Lethal making pancakes
26. Shoes
27. Heater
28. Cars
29. The people who have said 'no', which only brings me that much closer to 'yes'
30. Words
31. Wisdom
32. Slowing down
33. Truth
34. Divine Intervention
35. Sweetness
36. Books
37. Music
38. Awesome Furniture
39. A healthy, beautiful body
40. Patience
41. Not having to hurry
42. Creating my own life
43. Breaking away from the bs
44. Deep breath
45. What's on the inside
46. Willingness
47. Letting go
48. Alanis Morrisette
49. Shuggie Otis
50. Robin Thicke
51. John Legend
52. Alicia Keys
53. Beyonce
54. Transformation
55. Blooming
56. Flowers
57. Spring
58. Winter
59. Perception
60. Peace
61. Lessons
62. Heartache
63. Strawberries
64. Baileys
65. Coconut milk White Russians - and the ladies who drank them with me last night
66. Forgivness
67. Selfishness
68. Abraham Hicks
69. Barbara Rice
70. Brenda Jo McDonald
71. Matt Lillie
72. All of my friends in the Oneness Community
73. Raw Food Meetups
74. Emily Deaver
75. My mommy
76. My daddy
77. My grandparents
78. The rest of my family
79. The people who believe in me
80. The people who don't
81. Celebration
82. Not needing a reason
83. Surprise
84. Faith
85. Government
86. Feeling good
87. Stopping 'the pursuit'
88. Frankincense
89. Sandalwood
90. Kashmir
91. Things that are soft
92. Grace
93. Joy
94. Passion
95. Awareness
96. Hope
97. Fun
98. Dancing
99. Those who dance with me
100. The wallflowers who don't.
1. Perseverance
2. Divine feminine energy
3. Meditation
4. Relaxation
5. Love
6. Soul Music
7. My AWESOME friends
8. People that I 'don't like' that show me all of the parts about me I need to accept
9. Struggle
10. Spending Fast
11. Breakfast
12. Coffee
13. Lovers
14. Delight
15. My many talents
16. My wonderful, warm, cozy, beautiful house
17. Beauty
18. Darkness
19. Light
20. Smoothies
21. Veggies
22. Nuts (all of us)
23. My darling lil baby
24. People who can sing
25. Mac Lethal making pancakes
26. Shoes
27. Heater
28. Cars
29. The people who have said 'no', which only brings me that much closer to 'yes'
30. Words
31. Wisdom
32. Slowing down
33. Truth
34. Divine Intervention
35. Sweetness
36. Books
37. Music
38. Awesome Furniture
39. A healthy, beautiful body
40. Patience
41. Not having to hurry
42. Creating my own life
43. Breaking away from the bs
44. Deep breath
45. What's on the inside
46. Willingness
47. Letting go
48. Alanis Morrisette
49. Shuggie Otis
50. Robin Thicke
51. John Legend
52. Alicia Keys
53. Beyonce
54. Transformation
55. Blooming
56. Flowers
57. Spring
58. Winter
59. Perception
60. Peace
61. Lessons
62. Heartache
63. Strawberries
64. Baileys
65. Coconut milk White Russians - and the ladies who drank them with me last night
66. Forgivness
67. Selfishness
68. Abraham Hicks
69. Barbara Rice
70. Brenda Jo McDonald
71. Matt Lillie
72. All of my friends in the Oneness Community
73. Raw Food Meetups
74. Emily Deaver
75. My mommy
76. My daddy
77. My grandparents
78. The rest of my family
79. The people who believe in me
80. The people who don't
81. Celebration
82. Not needing a reason
83. Surprise
84. Faith
85. Government
86. Feeling good
87. Stopping 'the pursuit'
88. Frankincense
89. Sandalwood
90. Kashmir
91. Things that are soft
92. Grace
93. Joy
94. Passion
95. Awareness
96. Hope
97. Fun
98. Dancing
99. Those who dance with me
100. The wallflowers who don't.
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Yummy Chocolately Smoothie Evolution
Get me right on this one: I STILL MADE THE COFFEE this morning...Just in case...but I have yet to drink it!
This delicious, chocolately (it's my new word) creation was my savior this morning....fomal. It has evolved a bit from the one I made yesterday into something far more luscious, playful and delightful!
Yummy Chocolately Luscious Smoothie
2 C vanilla almond milk (unsweetened...if you use the sweetened stuff, then omit below sweetener)
1 banana
2 T cacao powder
2 T chosen sweetener (agave, coconut crystals, etc..if you use stevia, sweeten to taste)
5 black mission figs
1 t vitamineral greens (optional)
1 GIANT handful of spinach (you won't taste it)
Add all ingredients to your blender and blend until smooth! Wish for happy thoughts. ENJOY.
All is WELL. You are LOVED.
Andrea
This delicious, chocolately (it's my new word) creation was my savior this morning....fomal. It has evolved a bit from the one I made yesterday into something far more luscious, playful and delightful!
Yummy Chocolately Luscious Smoothie
2 C vanilla almond milk (unsweetened...if you use the sweetened stuff, then omit below sweetener)
1 banana
2 T cacao powder
2 T chosen sweetener (agave, coconut crystals, etc..if you use stevia, sweeten to taste)
5 black mission figs
1 t vitamineral greens (optional)
1 GIANT handful of spinach (you won't taste it)
Add all ingredients to your blender and blend until smooth! Wish for happy thoughts. ENJOY.
All is WELL. You are LOVED.
Andrea
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
I DID NOT WANT TO GIVE UP MY COFFEE THIS MORNING!!!!
I admit it. I love the smell of coffee. I love the taste of coffee. I love the jacked feeling I get from coffee. I love that I can stay up for 5 hours after my darling baby goes to bed and get all of the work - or play - done that my giant heart desires.
There is an opinion within me, however, that wants for something more. There is a part of me that wants to stay right where I am at. There is something so comforting about having something 'I NEED TO HAVE'. It is such a relief to have SOMETHING that gives me relief. For where I'm at in life, to have no 'needs' for something that can alter my mindset - in a way that I have been used to (smoking, drinking, etc) is uncomfortable. What am I to do when I'm irritated? There is nothing for me to focus on, no 'geez, if I just had some coffee/a cigarette/a beer/etc, as a sense of impending 'relief'. There is a sinking feeling inside of knowing that it is all up to me to change my thoughts, I have no crutch to do it for me.
I have happily started drinking coffee again.
This morning, my body didn't want it, but my mind did! I needed that smell, that refreshment, that burning feeling in the pit of my empty stomach that only coffee can give. This morning, I didn't take the bait. I made a smoothie instead.
Now, there are delicious coffee alternatives out there, and I happened to have one in my cabinet. My body wanted something cool and green - and chocolately (yes, I made that word up and it's a keeper). I really didn't want to listen! However, three days ago, I had bought some bananas and almond milk - and I just happened to find a half-full bag of cacao powder in my cabinet! Of course, I have a variety of different sweeteners and there was about a 1/2 pound of spinach in my fridge. AMAZING coincidence. Do you think my body set me up without my mind knowing it? I concur. It was one or the other. Regardless, upon taking my first sip, it felt like a giant hug - and I get the SAME KICK from the cacao that I do from the coffee - without the burning feeling in my belly.
Does this mean I won't be having Bailey's and Coffee with my girls tonight? Does this mean I'm not making coconut milk white russians when they get here? NO! It means that, this morning, I didn't have coffee. It is wonderful to have the awareness, and right now, I will do nothing with it but be aware. I am not sure what tomorrow morning will bring, and I will allow that decision to come tomorrow.
Here's my smoothie recipe:
1 C unsweetened vanilla almond milk
1 C water
1 ripe banana (look for brown spots on a YELLOW - not green - banana)
2 T cacao powder
2 T sweetener of your choice (if you use stevia, you will want to sweeten to taste)
1 GIANT handful of spinach (no, you won't taste it)
Place all of this in a blender and blend. ENJOY.
All my love,
Andrea
There is an opinion within me, however, that wants for something more. There is a part of me that wants to stay right where I am at. There is something so comforting about having something 'I NEED TO HAVE'. It is such a relief to have SOMETHING that gives me relief. For where I'm at in life, to have no 'needs' for something that can alter my mindset - in a way that I have been used to (smoking, drinking, etc) is uncomfortable. What am I to do when I'm irritated? There is nothing for me to focus on, no 'geez, if I just had some coffee/a cigarette/a beer/etc, as a sense of impending 'relief'. There is a sinking feeling inside of knowing that it is all up to me to change my thoughts, I have no crutch to do it for me.
I have happily started drinking coffee again.
This morning, my body didn't want it, but my mind did! I needed that smell, that refreshment, that burning feeling in the pit of my empty stomach that only coffee can give. This morning, I didn't take the bait. I made a smoothie instead.
Now, there are delicious coffee alternatives out there, and I happened to have one in my cabinet. My body wanted something cool and green - and chocolately (yes, I made that word up and it's a keeper). I really didn't want to listen! However, three days ago, I had bought some bananas and almond milk - and I just happened to find a half-full bag of cacao powder in my cabinet! Of course, I have a variety of different sweeteners and there was about a 1/2 pound of spinach in my fridge. AMAZING coincidence. Do you think my body set me up without my mind knowing it? I concur. It was one or the other. Regardless, upon taking my first sip, it felt like a giant hug - and I get the SAME KICK from the cacao that I do from the coffee - without the burning feeling in my belly.
Does this mean I won't be having Bailey's and Coffee with my girls tonight? Does this mean I'm not making coconut milk white russians when they get here? NO! It means that, this morning, I didn't have coffee. It is wonderful to have the awareness, and right now, I will do nothing with it but be aware. I am not sure what tomorrow morning will bring, and I will allow that decision to come tomorrow.
Here's my smoothie recipe:
1 C unsweetened vanilla almond milk
1 C water
1 ripe banana (look for brown spots on a YELLOW - not green - banana)
2 T cacao powder
2 T sweetener of your choice (if you use stevia, you will want to sweeten to taste)
1 GIANT handful of spinach (no, you won't taste it)
Place all of this in a blender and blend. ENJOY.
All my love,
Andrea
Monday, December 5, 2011
"How Can You Afford to Eat Raw?" They ask....
Let's be clear: I am a single mom. Time and money are precious and beautiful to me - and not to be squandered!
From the people I have talked to over the years, the general consensus is that 'raw food is too expensive/time consuming'. I wonder how many people have actually 'tried' it, but I do my best to suspend my judgement after that thought. It does appeal to logic that it 'could' be that way. However, anyone who eats anything spends some amount of time on it, whether they hit the drive through or the grocery store. Some sort of preparation is involved in some way, shape or form, and money changes hands.
I have been 100% raw, a flailing pizza junkie, a pregnant woman on the Eat-Pray-Love Diet, etc. I have been on many different sides and I can tell you that, personally, I spent A LOT more money on food when I wasn't eating a lot of Raw Food.
I can come up with many hypotheses about why this is: 1) I need to eat more because my body doesn't get as many nutrients when I'm eating cooked and processed food. 2) There are additives in my food that make me hungry. 3) When I am not being 'a raw foodie', I am typically eating more for pleasure, than for sustenance, which changes the way I eat, and how much I eat. 4) cooked food is awesome, and I can't stop eating cheese, anything fried, etc. 5) I eat more because I am taking in less water with my diet and not supplementing by drinking more water, thus activating my weakened thirst receptors - which are then so stifled that my body tells me it's hungry!
Anyway, regardless of all that madness and reasoning - all of which is unnecessary, I have found a way to eat raw food and not blow my budget. Here's what my food prep schedule for the week OFTEN - not always - looks like:
Sunday: Prep a salad dressing and some sort of pate/cheese
Shred: Carrots and Cabbage in food processor
Cut top and bottom of bell pepper and remove seeds
Shop: Buy broccoli, zucchini, onion and some fruit for smoothies, 1# spring mix from Sam's =3.99 (yes, it's organic), 1# organic spinach from Sam's = $3.99. Both of these items can be purchased at Dillons for $5.99 each.
Then, each day, I'll have a green smoothie for breakfast - after drinking 1 quart of water right when I wake up. For lunch, I'll use a combination of veggies on my salad, the dressing and a scoop of the cheese/pate. I'll do the same for dinner, unless I eat out or make dinner at a friend's.
I could easily make a batch of raw crackers, or a soup, or even a dessert if I wanted to, say, around the middle of the week if I felt like it. Usually, it's one of the three, not all of them! Some weeks, I get together with friends, and we'll make something and split it, along with the cost of ingredients (think: raw white chocolate cheesecake, etc)
Anyway, it works for me!
"But, I need more variety." You say. Well, then it's going to cost you more! This is what works for me. Maybe you could have a smoothie for breakfast, a salad for lunch and then a regular dinner! It's just a suggestion, find what works for you! And of course, I'm happy to be a resource for you all the way!
Tonight, I'm making the Farmer's Cheese from Cafe Gratitude's "I AM Grateful" book. Last week, it was almond hummus and a fig balsamic vinaigrette. See a pattern here? I don't know what kind of dressing I want this week....Something herby and garlicky sounds fantastic to complement that cheese!
Love,
A
From the people I have talked to over the years, the general consensus is that 'raw food is too expensive/time consuming'. I wonder how many people have actually 'tried' it, but I do my best to suspend my judgement after that thought. It does appeal to logic that it 'could' be that way. However, anyone who eats anything spends some amount of time on it, whether they hit the drive through or the grocery store. Some sort of preparation is involved in some way, shape or form, and money changes hands.
I have been 100% raw, a flailing pizza junkie, a pregnant woman on the Eat-Pray-Love Diet, etc. I have been on many different sides and I can tell you that, personally, I spent A LOT more money on food when I wasn't eating a lot of Raw Food.
I can come up with many hypotheses about why this is: 1) I need to eat more because my body doesn't get as many nutrients when I'm eating cooked and processed food. 2) There are additives in my food that make me hungry. 3) When I am not being 'a raw foodie', I am typically eating more for pleasure, than for sustenance, which changes the way I eat, and how much I eat. 4) cooked food is awesome, and I can't stop eating cheese, anything fried, etc. 5) I eat more because I am taking in less water with my diet and not supplementing by drinking more water, thus activating my weakened thirst receptors - which are then so stifled that my body tells me it's hungry!
Anyway, regardless of all that madness and reasoning - all of which is unnecessary, I have found a way to eat raw food and not blow my budget. Here's what my food prep schedule for the week OFTEN - not always - looks like:
Sunday: Prep a salad dressing and some sort of pate/cheese
Shred: Carrots and Cabbage in food processor
Cut top and bottom of bell pepper and remove seeds
Shop: Buy broccoli, zucchini, onion and some fruit for smoothies, 1# spring mix from Sam's =3.99 (yes, it's organic), 1# organic spinach from Sam's = $3.99. Both of these items can be purchased at Dillons for $5.99 each.
Then, each day, I'll have a green smoothie for breakfast - after drinking 1 quart of water right when I wake up. For lunch, I'll use a combination of veggies on my salad, the dressing and a scoop of the cheese/pate. I'll do the same for dinner, unless I eat out or make dinner at a friend's.
I could easily make a batch of raw crackers, or a soup, or even a dessert if I wanted to, say, around the middle of the week if I felt like it. Usually, it's one of the three, not all of them! Some weeks, I get together with friends, and we'll make something and split it, along with the cost of ingredients (think: raw white chocolate cheesecake, etc)
Anyway, it works for me!
"But, I need more variety." You say. Well, then it's going to cost you more! This is what works for me. Maybe you could have a smoothie for breakfast, a salad for lunch and then a regular dinner! It's just a suggestion, find what works for you! And of course, I'm happy to be a resource for you all the way!
Tonight, I'm making the Farmer's Cheese from Cafe Gratitude's "I AM Grateful" book. Last week, it was almond hummus and a fig balsamic vinaigrette. See a pattern here? I don't know what kind of dressing I want this week....Something herby and garlicky sounds fantastic to complement that cheese!
Love,
A
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