Fresh Sweet Green Smoothie

I know it's too cold outside to think about having popsicles or ice cream this time of year. However, if you're craving something sweet and cold this is a great healthy smoothie recipe. You can either drink it or make into popsicles.

2 bananas

1 mango

4 frozen strawberries

1 handful of grapes

1 bunch of spinach leaves or kale to taste

About 1/2 glass of water

Mix all together and enjoy! 

Favorite green juice lemonade

Every morning I get up and make this powerful juice. I feel great and the most important thing is that I don't get sick, I haven't gotten sick in over a year. This recipe is my preventative, aside from all of the fantastic benefits Kale has to offer.

Ingredients
3-4 stalks of Kale
2 Gala apples
1 lemon

You can either make it in a juicer or a powerful blender like the Vitamix. You don't have to peel the lemons or the apples.

If you want to learn more about the benefits of Kale, you can read my post here:
http://livingraw8020.blogspot.com/2010/10/why-do-i-like-kale-so-much.html

Edaname & Grape Tomatoes Salad

I love making this salad, it's quick and easy and healthy. You'll be getting more than one serving.

Ingredients:
2 packages frozen edamame - consider getting organic
2 cups yellow corn on the cob (4 ears)
1/2 cup green onion minced
1 whole red bell pepper, chopped into 1/4" pieces
1 1/2 tsp Himalayan Pink Salt
1 pinch white pepper
1 1/2 cups grape tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup cilantro, minced

Directions:
Thawed edamame until completely soft.
Cut corn from cob, seed and chop red bell pepper and mix both with the edaname in a mixing bowl.
Add all other ingredients and mix.
Refrigerate for one hour, then serve.
Add salt and pepper to taste.

You can serve it by itself, in a wrap or in a mix of greens.

The Best Vegan Marshmallows. Ever!

A neighbor invited us over for s'mores the other night. Can you believe I have never had a s'more before that night? I was looking forward to it, but all I was thinking about was how much sugar is in a marshmallow? Well imagined how excited I was when my neighbor offered us vegan marshmallows! Can I just tell you they taste just like regular marshmallows. Needless to say I really enjoyed my s'more. I will be getting some for my nice and nephew.

Really, I promise. You don't believe me? Try them for yourself.

Raw vegan sushi. Really?

Yes! It is possible and very delicious. One of my most favorites sites is http://www.rawmazing.com Not only are Susan's recipes delicious, but her pictures are amazing. I swear the pictures alone make me want to make all of these delicious recipes., and I have made a few. So today, guess whose recipe I'm featuring.

The sushi is so easy to make and you can experiment with it too and get creative. Below are the ingredients:

• 2 C Sprouted Kamut
• 1 T Nami Shoyu
• 1 T Toasted Sesame Oil
• Sunflower Sprouts
• 2 Carrots
• 1/2 Cucumber
• 1 Portobello Musthroom, marinated in nami shoyu and olive oil
• Avocado, Sliced
• 2 Seaweed Sheets

1. Marinate the Mushrooms
2. Cut the portabello mushroom into slices about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. 
3. Toss with 2 T of nami shoyu and 2 T oil and let sit for at least 1/2 hour.
4. Process the kamut, nami shoyu and toasted sesame oil  in a food processor until the kamut  starts to break apart. Set aside. Slice carrots and cucumber into match stick pieces, slice the avocado into 1/4 inch pieces. Set aside. Lay your sheet of seaweed on the sushi matt. Spread half the sheet with the kamut mixture. Place the avocado, carrots, cucumber, sunflower sprouts and mushrooms on top of the kamut.

It really is that easy! and you'll end up with Sushi heaven like the picture above.

Btw, If you haven't ordered her "Holiday 2010" Recipe book, get on it! I promise you will not be disappointed. You can get it here on her web site: http://www.rawmazing.com/

Oatmeal, Walnut and Dried Plum Cookies

As you can tell, I'm really liking Alicia Silverstone's book The Kind Diet: A Simple Guide to Feeling Great, Losing Weight, and Saving the Planet it has some wonderful and healthy recipes. I love making these cookies, they're so guilt free and again so easy to make.

Servings: Makes 10 to 12 cookies

Ingredients:Oatmeal, Walnut and Dried Plum Cookies

• 1 cup quick-cooking rolled oats
• 3/4 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup maple sugar
• 2 tsp. baking powder
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 1/4 tsp. fine sea salt
• 1/3 cup maple syrup
• 1/2 cup safflower oil
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp. molasses
• 1/4 cup chopped dried plums or other dried fruit
• 1/4 cup finely chopped walnuts

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Combine the oats, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, combine the syrup, oil, vanilla extract, and molasses. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, and stir to combine. Fold in the dried plums and nuts.

Using your hands, roll tablespoon-size scoops of dough into balls. Place the balls onto the prepared baking sheet and press down slightly on the balls to flatten the tops. Bake for 8 to 12 minutes or until lightly browned. Transfer cookies to a baking rack to cool completely.

For variety, replace the all-purpose flour with whole wheat pastry flour, barley flour, spelt flour, or a gluten-free baking mix (choose one that does not include baking soda and baking powder). You can also substitute chocolate chips for the dried fruit and any kind of nuts for the walnuts.

Greek-Style Mini Pizza

Here's another fabulous and easy pizza recipe. Lately I really have been craving pizza but I don't want all of the calories. I found the recipe below, which was created by Biggest Loser Ranch executive chef Cameron Payne. It's easy, delicious and healthy.

Serves 1

   * 1 Orowheat sandwich thin (called Arnold's Sandwich Thins on the east coast)
   * 1 1/2 Tbsp. marinara sauce
   * 1 ounce soy cheese

   * 3 Tbsp. tomato , diced
   * 1/4 cup ground turkey , cooked
   * 3 Tbsp. green olives , sliced
   * 1/2 Ounce Feta cheese

Directions
Preheat oven to 350°. Using 1 Orowheat sandwich thin, split apart and toast in the oven for 5 to 6 minutes. Ladle on 1 1/2 tablespoons marinara sauce on each pizza. Sprinkle soy cheese. Sprinkle on green onions, tomato, olives, cooked ground turkey and feta cheese. Bake in oven for 15 minutes or until pizza crust is crisp and cheese is melted.

Nutritional Information
Per serving: 259 calories, 6g fat, 17g protein, 30g carbohydrates, 5g dietary fiber

Alicia Silverstone's Radicchio Pizza Recipe

So I made another recipe from Alicia's Silverstone book - The Kind Diet: The Kind Diet: A Simple Guide to Feeling Great, Losing Weight, and Saving the Planet It was delicious and so easy to make! If you don't really feel like cooking but need to make something quick, easy and healthy. This is definitely the way to go.

I added the black olives and the crumbled feta cheese.

SERVES 2 to 4

INGREDIENTS
1 large head radicchio
Olive oil
Fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
White truffle oil, to taste
1 fresh pizza crust (preferably a healthy, whole grain variety)
Black Olives (My addition)
Crumbled Feta Cheese (My addition)

PREPARATION

1. Cut the radicchio in half, then slice each half crosswise into thin ribbons (as thin as possible!).
2. Dress with olive oil, salt, pepper, and a few dashes of white truffle oil to taste.
3. Preheat the oven to 415 degrees F.
4. Toast the pizza crust in the oven for 7 minutes or until it is heated through and slightly golden but not crunchy.
5. Scatter the dressed radicchio over the pizza crust and return to the oven for another 3 to 5 minutes, until the radicchio is warm and just starting to wilt. Serve immediately.

Udon Noodle Stir fry

This recipe is from Alicia's Silverstone Book - The Kind Diet. It's absolutely delicious and I highly recommended. Here's the link to her book: http://astore.amazon.com/ourgre-20/detail/1605296449


   * 1 portion Udon noodles
   * 1 small onion or 2 shallots
   * 1 handful green beans
   * 1 cup(s) of marinated tofu
   * 1 large handful of baby leaf spinach
   * 1 heaped tsp of Sambal Oelek (Indonesian Chilli Sauce)
   * 1 lime (juice of)
   * 1 tsp. of sweet freedom or agave nectar
   * 1 tsp. of white or rice wine vinegar
   * 2 tbsp. of soy sauce or shoyu
   * 1 tbsp. of groundnut oil

Steps

1. Bring a large pan of water to the boil.
2. Make the sauce by combining all the Sambal Oelek, lime juice, sweet freedom (agave), white wine vinegar, soy sauce and oil in a bowl. Whisk or stir thoroughly with a spoon and set aside.
3. Heat a little groundnut oil in a wok or skillet/frying pan. Finely slice the onion or shallots and add to pan. You want them to crisp up a little.
4. Slice the green beans diagonally & into small pieces. Add to pan with a little soy sauce.
5. Toss in the marinated tofu – Alicia uses Cauldron Brand. Stir fry for several minutes. Add a tablespoon or so of the sauce before combining the noodles.
6. Cook the udon noodles in the boiling water for 6-8 minutes, Drain, return to pot and cover.
7. Add the spinach and stir fry for a few short minutes until it begins to wilt. Then add the noodles and mix through before adding the remainder of the sauce. Allow to heat through for about a minute.
8.  Sprinkle some sesame seeds (toasted would be even better!) on top to serve.

Vegan Herb Cracker Recipe

A friend sent me this AWESOME recipe vegan & from Elana's Pantry. They're so good!

• 2 cup(s) of blanched almond flour
• 3/4 tsp. of celtic sea salt
• 2 tbsp. of Herbes de Provence
• 1 tbsp. of olive oil
• 2 tbsp. of water

Steps

1. In a large bowl, combine almond flour, salt and and Herbes de Provence
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil and water
3. Stir wet ingredients into almond flour mixture until thoroughly combined
4. Roll the dough into a ball
5. Press between 2 sheets of parchment paper to ⅛ inch thickness
6. Remove top piece of parchment paper
7. Transfer the bottom piece with rolled out dough onto baking sheet
8. Cut dough into 2-inch squares with a knife or pizza cutter
9. Bake at 350° for 9 - 11 minutes, until lightly golden
10. Let crackers cool on baking sheet for 20 minutes, then serve

Featuring Raw Mom's - Purple Slurple ice cream

Raw Mom featured this recipe on her blog and wanted to share it with you. I love ice cream, but can do without the preservatives and the calories, this recipe is absolutely delicious and so easy!

Here are the directions, straight from Raw Mom's website: http://www.rawmom.com/ If you haven't subscribe to her site, make sure you do so. You'll be glad you did.

Ingredients:
- Frozen banana
- Frozen blueberries
- Hemp seed milk
- Lemon juice

Blend in your vita-mix until lump free... spoon out and DEVOUR!

How easy is that! eat it guilt-free.

Benefits of Dry Skin Brushing

Most of us know the largest organ in the body is our skin, it's responsible for about 10-15% of body elimination.

Dry skin brushing is a perfect way to advance the detox elimination process. It's easy, quick and it has amazing benefits. One of the benefits on why I started doing it; it helps eliminate cellulite.... yup! You heard that right, ladies. It stimulates the lymphatic system (considered to be one of the best natural lymphatic cleansers available) and also stimulates circulation.

I've been dry skin brushing for over a year now and I can definitely see the difference, my skin is really soft (my husband is always commenting on it) and I don't require as much lotion as I used to use. I've also heard that eventually, no lotion at all will be needed. I have especially noticed it now during this time of the year, this is the time when my skin gets drier and it doesn't feel dry at all!

The process only takes about 5 minutes, the first time you do it may take about 10 minutes.

1. Start from your feet and move upwards in small circular motions towards your heart (It is more beneficial to brush from the extremities towards the core of the body).

2. Do your upper body, raise one arm up and do small circular motions towards your armpit.

3. Last do the abdomen. Move your brush from left to right gently massaging your colon.


Brush gently, especially over the sensitive areas.

Once you're done take a HOT/COLD shower to complete the detox process.

A few dry brushing benefits:

1. Removes cellulite
2. Cleanses the lymphatic system
3. Tightens the skin preventing premature aging
4. Removes dead skin layers
5. Tightens the skin preventing premature aging
6. Stimulates the hormone and oil-producing glands
7. Stimulates circulation
8. Helps digestion

Below are a couple of brushes that I recommend.

  

You can also find additional information on dry brushing at this web site: http://www.naturalhealthtechniques.com/healingtechniques/dry_brushing_technique.htm

MACA

Over a year ago a friend recommended Maca to me. I've been taking it everyday since and I feel great, there was a time that no matter how much I exercise or ate healthy I always felt tired.

Recently I recommended it to a good friend of mine. She's been taking it about 5 weeks and she has noticed a great improvement on the way she feels. It's an extremely powerful root and I cannot say enough about it, below are a few of its benefits:

What is Maca?
Maca is a hardy plant that grows at high altitudes (14,500 ft.) in the Andean highlands of Peru. It has been used as a food and medicine for more than 2000 years by South Americans.

• Promotes deeper sleep
• Helps adapt to stress
• Balances moods
• Promotes mental clarity – enhances memory and brain function
• Improves physical and emotional well-being
• Increases energy levels, stamina & endurance (good for Chronic Fatigue)
• Nourishes glandular system
• Balances hormones
• Slows the aging process
• Prevents osteoporosis, (high calcium and vegetable protein)
• Gives menopausal relief (like HRT) - in women
• Improves libido and fertility

Restoring strength and increasing the libidoThe Incan warriors took maca before going to battle to keep their bodies strong and ready for rigorous physical activity. However, they realized that the herb also increased their libido, so taking it after battle was forbidden, to protect the women from their sexual impulses. Word of maca’s power to restore strength and libido traveled to Europe, the United States and Japan, resulting in increased production and  popularity. In Peru, the native Indians use Maca in most foods. E.g., the Peruvian marketplace has all types of Maca cookies, drinks, deserts etc.

Regulating the Endocrine system
Maca is a potent herb that regulates the endocrine system (glands that produce hormones necessary for essential body functions). Maca increases energy levels, encourages cell growth and stimulates metabolic functions. Its nutrients fuel the system and encourage natural hormone production.

Supporting the adrenal glands
Maca is an adaptogen and so helps maintain whole body health. Its calcium, fatty acids and vitamins B1, B2, B12 content aids digestion while its phosphorus and vitamins B12 and B1 work on the nervous system. Also, its alkaloid content helps the body assimilate all the nutrients it needs.

Helping to fight cancer
Maca contains glucosinolate and fibres that help prevent some forms of cancer. Its fatty acids help improve the immune system. It also lessens the the chance of getting rickets, osteomalacia and other bone diseases.

Relieving pain
Maca contains terpenoids and saponins which relieve pain and act as expectorant, sedative and analgesic. Its analgesic effect works not just  on specific organs but on the whole body.

Not only is Maca beneficial for women but also for men.

You can read more about Maca on this web site: http://www.macaeffects.com/top-health-benefits-of-maca

Below is the brand that I've been using and highly recommend.

Why do I like Kale so much?

Kale has so many benefits, I don't even know where to start. I can tell you that since I've been juicing it (over a year) I haven't gotten sick. It gives me plenty of energy. Yes, the taste is a little bit bitter, but what I do is juice it with 2 gayla apples and one lemon add a little bit of ice and it's quite tasty.

What is Kale?

Kale is the green, leafy vegetable Brassica oleracea var. acephala, a cabbage that doesn’t form a head. One cup of boiled kale contains 2.47 g of protein in only 36 calories. Among other vitamins, one cup of kale contains 17,707 IU of vitamin A , 10,625 mcg of beta-carotene, 23,720 mcg of leutein and zeaxanthin, 1,062 mcg of vitamin K and 53.3 mg of vitamin C. Minerals include 296 mg of potassium, 94 mg of calcium, 23 mg of magnesium, and 0.54 mg of manganese.

Origin

Brassica oleracea is a common mustard plant that has been cultivated since ancient times by farmers in Asia and Europe. Conventional selective breeding by different groups of farmers over the centuries produced a range of different vegetable crops. Kale, collards, cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, kohlrabi and broccoli are all Brassica oleracea. Modern DNA studies confirm that all Brassica oleracea plants are monophyletic, meaning that all these crops came from one wild plant domestication event.

Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/168539-what-is-kale/#ixzz13127Hgm0

Nutritional value

• Vitamin A: 8,854 IU
• Vitamin C: 27 mg.
• Calcium: 47 mg.
• Magnesium: 15 mg
• Potassium: 148 mg.
• Folic Acid: 9 micrograms
• Protein: 1 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Sodium: 15 mg
• Fat: 0 g
• Saturated fat: 0 g
• Cholesterol: 0 g
• Calories: 18

Health Benefits:

• It fights fat
• High in fiber, this helps create the bulk you need to fill you up and to make your bowel movement regular.
• Kale contains seven times the beta-carotene of broccoli, carotenoid keep UV rays from damaging the eyes causing cataracts.
• Kale is a rich source of well-absorbed calcium, a mineral that is important to prevent osteoporosis.
• Kale is a rich source of folate and vitamin B6.
• Kale also contains a powerful phytochemical sulforaphane which helps boost body's detoxification enzymes, thus helping to clear potentially carcinogenic substances more quickly. Sulforaphane is formed when cruciferous vegetables like kale are chopped or chewed.

Read more: http://hubpages.com/hub/Health-Benefits-of-Kale

 Kale Smoothie Recipe

I haven't tried this yet, but I hear is very good:

Thai coconut (young) - Meat & 1 cup water
1 whole orange, peeled
2 cups kale
3-4 large strawberries

Another Benefit of Kale is that it's available year round, so go ahead & give it a try!! 

Bean & Parsley Salad

We have a big party once a year and this year's happened last weekend. My husband is in charge of planning it and doing most of the cooking. I was in charge of the healthy dishes, we have some friends that don't eat meat and wanted to accommodate them. I did this salad which was a hit!

2 Cans of Kidney beans
2 Cans of Garbanzo beans
6 Parsley bunches (organic)
2 Lemons
2 Tbsp. of Olive oil
2 Tbsp. of Balsamic vinegar
Pink Himalayan salt to taste
Pepper to taste

Toss salad well and it's ready to be served!

Amco 8-Inch Two-in-One Lemon Juicer/Squeezer

New title - Living RAW 8020

The original purpose of this blog was to journal our juicing experiences. However, after we starting our juicing journeys, we noticed we couldn't just live on green juices. We all had to revise our diet accordingly. But, we all believe in eating RAW. You don't have to have a 100% RAW food diet, I can't speak for the other ladies, but my diet is about 80% RAW and 20% cooked. I know we are not all 100% RAW so the new "Living RAW 8020" title seemed appropriate. I'm looking forward to learning from one another as we did in the Spring. Cheers ladies!

It's been a while...

I know it's been a while since I've posted. My juicer broke and I've been trying to get the warranty to replace the piece. I've also just been having a lot of salads, but will be trying some dishes soon. I will keep you posted.

Seven Common Mistakes that Occur on Raw Foods

I read this article and found it extremely interesting...

1 – Many raw fooders do not eat enough greens.
Solution: regularly consume energy soup or green smoothie to guarantee the proper amount of greens.

2 – Many raw fooders do not consume enough fiber, soluble and insoluble.
Solution: Drink more smoothies or energy soups instead of juices.

3 – People on raw food often consume too many fats. When they try to imitate cooked dishes, they substitute starches with nuts. For example, when making raw cakes, they mimic a wheat crust with a nut mixture.
Solution: use nut pulp left over from making nut milks, use more seeds and less nuts, and use more fruit and vegetable pulp from juices in your mixtures, to minimize the consumption of nuts.

4 – Raw fooders commonly try to become too perfect too fast. They don’t give their bodies a chance to adjust to such a radical dietary change.
Solution: gradually adjust and purify your own individual diet to help you ease into the healthiest diet for you.

5 – When people change their diets, they usually decide the other components that make up health are no longer important, such as: sun bathing, exercising, proper rest, fresh air, etc.
Solution: practice a well-rounded healthy life style.

6 – People on the raw food diet often over-indulge in some particular foods and neglect the variety of other fruits and vegetables. For example, orange juice is very healthy, but in extremely large quantities, it can be damaging to teeth and sugar levels. Large amounts of sprouts, berries, and anything else will inevitably create disharmonies.
Solution: eat foods in reasonable quantities.

7 – The biggest mistake that many make is that they listen to the raw food authorities and don’t trust the invaluable messages their own bodies communicate.
Solution: keep a diary of your daily food consumption and how it affects your well-being.

RAW Mexican Tacos

We had a good friend over last night and made this recipe. She couldn't stop eating it, she said it was delicious! I must say so myself it was pretty awesome. I will make it again next week when the family comes over. *Remember to soak the almonds and cashews at least an hour before preparing recipe.

(makes 5-6 servings)


Taco Meat
1 cup almonds
1 Tablespoon olive oil
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 1/2 teaspoons ground coriander
1/8 teaspoon sea salt

Cilantro Cashew Cheese
1 1/2 teaspoon garlic1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1 cup cashews
2 Tablespoons lemon juice, fresh, from about 1 lemon
1/4 cup packed cilantro leaves
1/4 cup water, as needed

Raw Mexican Salsa
1/2 cup tomatoes, diced
1/2 cup corn kernels, cut off cob
2 Tablespoons cilantro, chopped
1/4 teaspoon minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon chopped green chilies, to taste
1/8 teaspoon sea salt

Tacos & Topping

15 butter lettuce leaves
2 avocados, pitted and sliced

Taco Meat - process almonds into small pieces. Add oil, cumin, coriander, and salt, and process to mix well. Set aside.

Cheese -  process garlic and salt into small pieces. Add cashews, juice, cilantro, and only enough water to process into a thick cream texture. Set aside.

Mexican salsa - mix ingredients in a bowl. Set aside.

Ready to put together:
fill butter lettuce leaves with about 2 tablespoons cheeze. Sprinkle on 1 to 2 tablespoons taco meat and salsa. Top with avocado slices and serve.

Still on it.....

Hello Again -

I've been excited to use my new dehydrator I just haven't had the time to go shopping for all the yummy ingredients to make breads, crackers, wraps, dried fruit treats and much, much more. A dehydrator gives a raw foodie so much more versatility in their "cooking" repertoire. A couple of days ago I had the opportunity to go to The Bliss Cafe on Greenville and had an awesome dish of kale enchiladas. I was so impressed with the wrap and sauce used I really want to play around and create some of my own fabulous dishes. I hope to this weekend. I have guests coming over so I'm going to try out some new dishes on them. I will let you know how it turns out. 'Til then eating raw for health.... Mary

Update - Mary

Hi All -

Sorry for the delay in posts. I have been acclimating myself to this lifestyle change. It really is a lifestyle change for me. I haven't eaten meat,dairy,noodles,rice or unsprouted bread since the first of March. That is not to say I haven't had fish. I have almost made salad sushi a daily staple. It provides the density I am feeling the need for of late. I also have cooked some of my vegetables to create soups. I have a fruit smoothie or green juice once or twice a day. I am really focusing on making sure I am getting the nutrients but satisfying my taste buds at the same time. Overall I feel much better than I did before I started and I am consistently losing weight. Not the major concern of mine right now - my health has been my driving force behind this. I am looking forward to getting my dehydrator on Tuesday. I can't wait to try some of those wonderful recipes on rawmazing.com. I will try to be more faithful on the postings - talk to you soon. Mary P.S. Thanks for the support Sandra. :)

Mary is doing awesome!

I know Mary hasn't mentioned anything about her latest progress, but I gotta tell you... she's lost 10lbs! yeah, you heard that right... 10lbs in less than 2 weeks!! She's been doing incredible and she's been doing a lot of raw food eating, experiencing with different recipes. She bought raw bread at Whole Foods and has been making avocado sandwiches. Way to go Mary, keep going!

Signs of Spring

I'm so glad the weather is getting nicer, I love opening the back door and feeling the nice spring breeze.

I love eating fruit and I can live on it all the time, papaya is one of my favorites! So I'm happy to be making this juice again:

1 grapefruit
2 oranges
1 lemon
1 small piece of ginger

I usually don't take the skin off the lemon but for this juice I do. You can use a knife and it's a lot faster, you cut the ends off first then you turn the lemon straight up and take off the sides, you can do this for all of the fruits. It's really easy. This juice is wonderful to dissolve cellulite and to move candida and it tastes quite good.

Checking in

I actually juiced until Friday and the last two were the easiest! I drank water and juice that entire Saturday until I finally hady first meal that night ...it was so good. I love food. I have to say that my goal for this juice was solely to lose weight and I lost 5 lbs in that one week. I felt fabulous! Even with my pizza slip... It was a good week. I think I'll stick to juicing during the day and then having a healthy meal for dinner. This works best fore so I can keep my taste buds happy and not have some kind of a binge breakdown :~) I will probably try the all juice with a little raw in a few weeks and see if I can make it for the 5 days again!! Hoping to lose these last 9 prego lbs

Where has Sandra been

Well... My husband and I juiced until Friday and didn't eat so well over the weekend. Total weight I lost 4 lbs. and he lost 8 lbs. We decided to revise our diet, trust me I think the benefits of juicing are completely AMAZING!! I had great sleep last week and it was wonderful for my skin, but I honestly can't imagined juicing for 92 days. Now, I'm a great believer of a raw food diet. So this is what I'm thinking. Green juice for breakfast, raw food lunch and a green juice or fruit juice for dinner. Then juicing maybe 2-5 days at a time.

For breakfast I made my signature green juice, but instead of Kale I used the most fabulous spinach that I got from the local Farmers Market (a HUGE bag for $2.00!!) and used to gayla apples and one lemon... Delicious!!!

Here's a recipe that I've made before and it's so easy! Mark loves making these and he gets pretty creative with his mixes.

Ginger Almond Nori Rolls
Ingredients:
1 tblsp ginger
1 clove garlic
1/2 teaspoon of Himalayan salt
1 cup almonds dry
1 lemon's juice
1/4 cup filtered water
2 sheets of Raw Nori Sheets
2 cups of spinach
1/2 carrot, cut lengthwise
1 cup of mung bean sprouts

Ginger Almond Pate:
1 tblsp ginger
1 clove garlic
1/2 teaspoon of Himalayan salt
1 cup almonds dry
1 lemon's juice
1/4 cup filtered water

How to make the Nori Rolls:
1. bed of spinach
2. ginger almond pate
3. carrot
4. sprouts
5. roll

Use a food processor for this recipe, it takes absolutely no time at all! Blend the ginger and the garlic first, blend then add the salt. Follow up with the almonds (make sure these have been soaked - usually 30 mins to an hour. Drain then dry) Blend all of that together then add the lemon juice, blend again and finally add the water. Also, when cutting the rolls use a bread knife the ridges will not tear the Nori sheets and you're ready to eat! I like to use raw soy sauce. Enjoy!

Sandra's Day 4

Wow! Yesterday morning was really, really hard. I woke up STARVING! and craving a Subway. I know it's because I didn't drink enough juice the day before, but like I said I really needed to get a break. I do love the way I'm sleeping - so deeply and peacefully and I really don't have any cravings for any sweets. I feel like I'm in a bit of a "zen" state and I really can't get over on how soft my skin has become and my husband's! I also like the "light" feeling I feel, so far I've lost 3 pounds. I do however; think I'm going to revised my plan. I'm aiming for 2 green juices a day and a raw meal.

Here's a recipe for Kale Chips - I made it before and it was delicious!!

Kale Chips
Inspired by a dish from Blue Hill New York

If you cannot find Tuscan kale (aka dinosaur or dino kale) at your grocer, it's OK to substitute the recipe with another type of kale. Just make sure you remove the leaves from the tough parts of the kale. Don't discard the stem and ribs though — use them to make a veggie broth!

Ingredients

1 large bunch Tuscan kale (10 to 12 leaves)
1 tablespoon oilve oil
Sea salt to taste
Fresh ground pepper to taste

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 275°F.
2. Remove stalks and ribs from kale. Rinse and dry leaves.
3. Toss leaves in a large bowl with olive oil. Sprinkle leaves with sea salt and ground pepper.
4. Arrange leaves in a single layer onto a baking sheet.
5. Back for approximately 30 minutes or until crisp.
6. Transfer and let cool onto a wire rack or paper towels.

Katy's day 4

Feeling pretty bad... Laying in bed with a headache. I'm not sure if my body is detoxing or if my cold I had last week is turning for the worse. One things for sure, my stomach can scream bloody murder! Did cucumber/ lemon and then pineapple,spinach and strawberries. Need to load up on the water tomorrow. Forgot to take my MSM today

Day 3 - Mary

Okay today was much better able to get up and out of the house. Had Sandra's Spinach,Blackberry, Pineapple combo definitely better. I believe my body is just not ready for a solid juice diet so I will be doing a juicing / raw food combo from now on. I still believe lots of liquid is necessary so juicing in the morning, raw food, juicing or equivalent amount of liquid possibly green soup or salad at dinner more liquid and herbal tea before bed. Liquid helps digest any foods put in the system raw or otherwise it also helps make you feel satiated throughout the day. Still losing weight about a pound a day so far. Will keep you posted.

Katy's Day 2 - the aftermath

Okay, so I'm posting my day 2 on day 3... Yesterday was crazy. I had too many things to even think about food which was good, however, I don't think I drank enough juice and I didn't get to whole foods until afternoon.

Thank you Miss Sandra for sharing that delicious apple, kale, lemon recipe! When I got home, I made this and it was like heaven in my mouth with the sweetness. I didn't use the lemon at all but will make this again today!! Now I'll have to try the other recipe.

I too started thinking this is a really not a practical goal for 92 days. Maybe I'll make small goals like 1 week, 2 week etc. :-) Not sure what I'm going to do tomorrow because I'm going to a mommy wine tasting... hmm... is wine considered a cleanse?

So yesterday I got my MSM and dry brush (don't think I could handle the salt water flush and not brave enough). Today, I quickly started brushing before my shower and can anyone say "YOUCHA!!" dude! that hurt... maybe it gets better as Sandra said but I will stay away from brushing the girls for now. I will say that after doing the hot, cold, hot, cold and stepping out of the shower, I felt very fresh!

So part of the journal is to write down as well as admit things (confession time). I wouldn't be honest if I didn't say I already had a breakdown. My husband does not know what I'm doing and he ordered a pizza last night. The smell was so over powering that I had a slice and it was the best I ever had. Okay, admission done. I'm back on the wagon again and will NOT let this deter me. I've already explained to him that I would grill some chicken for him so he can eat it the rest of the week but I would be juicing. I'm sure that greasy slice of pizza will show itself as a huge zit or crater somewhere and as pay back. Pooh!

Over and out!

Sandra's Day 3

I had a juice this morning and honestly felt I couldn't juice anymore for today. So I've been drinking obscene amounts of water, green tea, sparkling water with lemon.... anything but juice. I honestly don't know how people make it 2 weeks, 30 days or 90 days on just green juice. It's really hard, I think right now I'm just going to focus on finishing a week at a time and then take it from there. Maybe incorporate a an all raw food diet, which that I have no problem doing at all and then going back to juicing for a couple of days. We'll see, will let you know as the week unravels.

I did want to share some information that has been helpful; one of the books that I've read is: The Raw Food Detox Diet: The Five-Step Plan for Vibrant Health and Maximum Weight Loss. It's a really easy read, it explains about the different food combinations, I found this book extremely helpful and I highly recommended. http://bit.ly/cUEq8A

Everyday, I have to look for inspiration and motivation to stay on this journey. Today I found this video: http://bit.ly/dzISjb

Good night. Oh! one more thing, this guy completed 100 days of juicing!!! How in the world did he do it? http://www.lovingraw.com/

Day 2 - Mary

Ok yesterday was really tough for me. I drank my lemon water in the morning proceeded by the green juice made of chard ,squash and yam made me get really nauseous. I spent the rest of the day trying to get out of the funk. I'm not sure what the cause of it was , the drink or detoxing either way it was bad. I had water and fruit juice the rest of the day along with my supplements. Hopefully today will be better, I'm going to try Sandra's spinach blackberry combo today and see how that sits. Will keep you posted.

Sandra's Day 2

For my second day I decided to wait and post till the end of the day. The mornings are easy for me, usually I struggle around 1pm - yesterday was really hard. Today was around 3pm, but easier than yesterday and was feeling a bit sluggish by then.

This morning, I started my day with 32oz. of warm water with lemon; then I drank my usual: Kale, lemon and gayla apples with a teaspoon of Maca. I made a similar pitcher for the rest of the day, but I added more spinach to that one. Kale unfortunately doesn't really juice a lot. Now I'm drinking blackberries, pineapple and spinach with a teaspoon of bee pollen and 6 spiriluna tables. I gotta say, I really like this juice - it's a bit thicker so it's a bit more like a smoothie and the texture feels good in my mouth.

I know this is really good for me to try, but I do have thoughts wondering whether I will accomplish the whole journey. I'm definitely not giving up yet, but it hasn't been easy. I was supposed to go to a party tonight, but decided to stay away from temptations. Such as wine and cheeses - two of my very favorites. I would also like to acknowledged my sweet husband, he's attempting to do two weeks of green juice and so far he's doing very well. He sends me messages periodically during day with things like "I want to eat a carrot", "What if I eat a salad out of a glass and I pretend is a juice". He also did say, he had Katy's dream last night and was dreaming of Cheeseburgers; oh! and how everyone smelled like food today at work. The funniest one has been on how he's threatened to put our dog on a juice diet also.

Aside from everything else, this has definitely been one of the hardest things that I've done. I know Mary wasn't feeling well today and hope she hangs in there, looking forward to hear how my dear friend Katy is doing. For now another day has gone by.

Katy's First Day

Oh my goodness... Day one almost over and I think I might start chewing my tongue off! I some how jumped in this whole thing a little half and un- prepared. Regardless, I was able to use all my veggies I had on hand: carrots, celery, cucumber, spinach, kale, parsley and grapes. I intentionally waited to post my thoughts because I knew day 1 in the morning would be easy... I usually juice my breakfast and lunch anyway with a nice meal at night. I will be honest, day 1 has not been easy for me. I'm so desperate to find something else to think of that I've gone down that sad sad road of watching the final bachelor episode.... eeek!!

So, focusing on other thoughts besides food... I am very intrigued about the brushing the skin thing and will go find some MSM tomorrow. More veggies for sure!

While I drink my green tea with ginger and say my good nights... I will be dreaming of little cheeseburgers. Over and out!

Day One!!

Ok I'm excited and scared at the same time. This is an enormous amount of liquid!!! I am not a big drinker to start with but wow... I started off my day with a quart(4 cups) of lemon water a Tsp of MSM and a digestive enzyme capsule. I then proceeded to juice my greens for the day. I used carrots, spinach, romaine lettuce, zuchinni and lemon. I made about 48 oz. worth. I dry brushed and took a shower. In another 1/2 hour I will drink a pint of oj with a spoonful of bee pollen followed by some more of my green juice at about 12:30pm. I am full so far but kinda bloated too. Hoping the cleansing and such will even it out soon. My goal is to drink every 2 hours or so for the next 92 days yikes!! Will keep you posted.- Mary

Ok update: a really lot of liquid. This is not an easy process I don't know what the norm is on how you are supposed to feel - I definitely feel full but hungry bad combo. I just reviewed some youtube videos to put my head back in the game I'm still here - talk to you tomorrow.

Sandra's Day 1

This morning, I got up early and started juicing away. I made my usual - that I just love! Kale, 2 gayla apples and one lemon with a teaspoon of maca. I'm so comfortable with that mix. I also made 16 oz of cucumber with lemon - I've heard this is wonderful for the skin for later today.
Before I actually had my first juice, I did a Salt Water Flush (32 oz of luke warm water and 2 teaspoons of seasalt) http://hubpages.com/hub/salt_water_flush then I did my usual dry skin brushing technique before jumping in the shower http://www.naturalhealthtechniques.com/healingtechniques/dry_brushing_technique.htm. I've actually been doing this for about 2 months and really like it. My skin feels extremely soft. The first time I did it, it was a bit painful since the brush was brand new; I remember the first time I came out of the shower it was an amazing feeling - very invigorating. Now I do it every morning, without thinking about it.

Made a red swiss chard with pears and lemon - a little bitter. I've had this with kiwi and it's much better. I will drink it and check it off as not one of my favorites. :)
I did add a teaspoon of bee pollen.

Katy jumped on board with us!

I'm excited that my very good friend Katy will also be juicing with us. I'm getting a bit nervous, since our commitment starts on Monday - but very excited!! This weekend I will be going to Crate&Barrel to get these glass containers: http://bit.ly/avda9y.

The Beginning of a Liquid Journey

Hi this Mary - a first ever for me as well. I will posting daily on the feasting. I believe it is extremely important to keep track of this journey. Not only for me but for anyone who decides to take this challenge on. I have been able to read others 92 day feasting blogs and it helped me make the choice to do this. I'm excited and scared at the same time, kinda like a rollercoaster ride. Not really sure what it is going to be like but something I know I want to do. It may change my eating habits forever it may not. Stay tuned and you'll find out with me. It begins the 1st of March. See you there!!

My first blog posting!

My name is Sandra and this is the first blog I've ever signed up for.
I'm excited about it! Mary, Cathy, Sybil and I are excited to attempt a 92 day green juicing feast. We all have different goals that we want to achieve. For myself, I would like to drink green juices the entire 92 days. I'm looking forward to my body detoxing and to the benefits that it will bring. For the past 2 weeks, I've been trying to get mentally ready for this journey. We've all read so much and keep reading about this juicing feast and have been preparing in different ways. We will all be blogging here, I will try to make an effort to blog what I drink every single day.