A New Year A New Beginning - January 2012

It’s a good time of year to begin transitioning towards a healthy raw food diet!

By Sandra Butler

A new year and the buzz is that profound changes and new beginnings are in store for us in 2012.    Perhaps, to you the reality of the present moment is that Christmas is over and you may have overindulged, lost sight of healthy food and now you are feeling sluggish and tired.  It must be the weather. It couldn’t be because the weigh scale is lying saying five pounds over.  The clothes in the closet have shrunk overnight. It must be the humidity.  When you finally stop making excuses long enough to accept responsibility for yourself, you begin to think, what can I do to change?  How can I feel healthier, lose weight, feel lighter and happier?  Well, I’m here to remind you that a raw food lifestyle could be the answer you are seeking.

Chances are that, if you are subscribing to the OK In Health eMagazine and you are reading this column, you are already familiar with raw food.  However, statistics show that most people who start a raw vegan diet don’t stick with it even when it totally works for them.  There could be several reasons for this.  Probably the biggest reason is that we just don’t realize how addictive cooked processed food is and secondly how we can be influenced by our friends, the media, etc.   Another reason is that it just seems like too much work to do all the preparation.  Really it can be as simple or as complicated as you choose to make it.  It's a matter of deciding how much time you choose to spend on it.    Perhaps food preparation is never a priority in your busy life?   Maybe the place to start is to examine what effort you wish to apply to keeping your body healthy and beautiful?  Go to the mirror right now, look into your eyes and say to yourself - I love you and I am willing to give you my very best in time and effort.  

If you are serious about that statement you are ready to begin your new year with an enlightened approach.  Begin by making a list of all the changes you would like to see in your physical body.  After you make the list, bless it and put it into an envelope, mark the date on it and put it away.  Now, be kind to yourself.  Start by easing in gently to becoming the new you.  Remember, it all starts from within.  The choice is up to you.  You are what you eat.   Set an intention of setting aside at least one day a week to eating 100% raw food meals and snacks and be very aware of what you are eating on the other days of the week.   Ask your family members or a couple of friends if they would be willing to join your healthy project.  Support is always beneficial when making changes.   Take some time to prepare.     Here is a reminder of what you want to consider when transitioning to raw food – fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds and sprouted grains enhanced with a few spices and raw condiments.   It is really that simple.    Begin by creating a menu plan and then make a grocery list.  When you are making a menu plan, remember that because raw food is alive with enzymes you will not have to eat as much at each meal to become full so keep your meals simple.  Make sure your purchases are organic and local whenever possible.  Choose the freshest produce you can.

Here are some suggestions to get you started with your menu plan.  Snack often on fresh organic fruit between meals! For optimum digestion, fruit should be eaten alone and either 1 hour before or after anything else.  Arrange bowls of fruit around the house and you'll never feel deprived or under-fed!    Mix almonds with raisins and carry a bag of them in your purse for a quick snack when you feel peckish. 

Begin your morning with a green smoothie breakfast.  And, while you are enjoying your smoothie put 3/4 cup of cashews in a container and cover with water to soak to be used later in the day.

Green Smoothie

- 1 banana

- 1 peeled orange

- 1/2 bunch kale

- 1/2 bunch romaine

- 16 ounces orange juice

Place all of the above in a blender, blend and enjoy.

For lunch enjoy a lovely fresh tomato soup.  If you wish, you can warm it on your stove, but don’t heat over 105 degrees F. or you will destroy enzymes.    

Blend the following until smooth and creamy:

Tomato Soup

- 4 ripe organic tomatoes

- 1/4 cup raw tahini or pine nuts

- 1/8 cup chopped fresh basil

- ½ tsp. Himalayan sea salt

- 1/4 onion chopped

- 1 cup filtered water

Blend until creamy.

And, finally a lovely simple dinner to make your day complete:

Noodles with Alfredo Sauce

- 1 pack Kelp Noodles

- 3/4 cup cashews, soaked and drained

- ¼ cup water

- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)

- 1 teaspoon paprika

- Dash of cayenne

- Juice of 1/2 lemon

-   ½ cup fresh basil, chopped (or dill or other spice of your choice)

- Lettuce (leaves or shredded)

Rinse noodles well with warm water, and then let them sit in warm water while you make the sauce. Blend all the ingredients except the basil.  Once the sauce is blended add the basil and pulse for 30 seconds.  Strain the noodles and place them in a bowl. Add cashew sauce and mix them together.

Place on a plate of lettuce.  Yum!

All of the above recipes are to serve 2 people or 1 very hungry person.

When you are eating raw food it is important to be mindful.  Set the table, put a nice placemat down or a table cloth, add a candle or two, express gratitude for your abundance and chew slowly.  If you are alone, take the time for reflection – don’t read a book or watch T.V.  If you with others ensure that the conversation is pleasant and uplifting.

Remember to keep the meals simple and praise yourself for taking a step towards better health.

Enjoy a “rawsome” day,

Sandra

Sandra's Bio: Sandra Butler is a certified Raw Food Chef. Sandra’s journey to raw food began when she realized that she was getting older but not healthier. She began seeking new ways to lower her blood pressure, cholesterol and the gradual weight gain that had crept up over the previous 10 years. Respecting her body as the temple of the mind and soul, the gateway to the Spirit self, Sandra sought out and discovered that life with Raw Food satisfied and inspired her to health! A genuine love and passion for nutritional food preparation is Sandra’s creative expression and contribution to others. Preparing and sharing raw, live, healthy food in delightful ways, has enhanced Sandra’s enthusiasm to extend her knowledge and wisdom to others who want to feel healthier and Great! Contact Sandra by phone at 250 862-1158, email or visit her website. - Sandra Butler Website - Email