I have been MIA for a few days, I know. I have stayed busy with a few things: a wedding shoot (check out Elena Photographers—Longivew WA Photographer website), a speaking opportunity (spoke to youth at Seaside, OR) and catching up with my everyday life in between.
I have been on the go most of the time and have not spent much time in the kitchen, at least not as much as I wish I had. That, however, does not mean that I have not been keeping up with my Whole Foods Vegan/High Raw diet. Summer and seasonal produce make it very easy to eat fast food (yes, I said fast food, but I am not talking about Burger King or Wendy’s here). If you think about it—what God has provided through nature’s bounty is the fastest food there is—no prep time! Plant it, water it, the sun and the ground will do the rest. All you have to do it pick it and consume it.
The last few days I have been indulging in delicious raspberries. My Mom is growing two different kinds: red and yellow (although they have an orange tint to them). I find that yellow raspberries are much sweeter than the red ones, however the red ones are more aromatic.
Salad greens are in abundance now, so there is no reason not to have a couple of servings a day. Throw greens together (try this combo: dark leaf lettuce, chopped mint, dill and green onions) and eat them with strawberry or honey mustard dressings. Better yet, grind some almonds in a coffee grinder and sprinkle on top—it is a much better choice than your average Parmesan cheese. Very close in texture to cheese, if you miss that feel, and yet so much more nutritious.
Our town is gearing up for the 4th of July celebration—it is a big event here every single year. I am, in fact, going to be partaking in this year’s madness—our church will be set up at the lake to make and sell a few or amazing Russian dishes. Most of them are not going to be vegan… or raw, but I am going to be rolling up my sleeves and helping to raise funds for a much needed building for our church. By the way, it is a small compromise, since the pastor of the church, Leo Pisarchuk, had already hinted at having me set up a juice/smoothie bar in our new building when we get it… and perhaps even an exercise room.
I will be around a lot of foods this weekend that I have grown up with and enjoyed. I had successfully been through one of these tortures last year and survived, as I am planning to do this year as well. Only this year is even better, as I have gone more raw and my body has gotten more junk out. I am planning to go to do my duty fully armed: lots of water, salad and green shakes (smoothies), and whatever dessert I can manage to make between today and tomorrow. I am planning to make the rest of the group want what I have, not the other way around.
As you are getting ready to celebrate America’s (USA) Independence, stay focused and celebrate your independence as well. Independence from sickness, disease, from depression, from extra weight, from junk and toxic foods, and Freedom to be ALL you can be without being bound by the abovementioned.
There is no reason for you to feel nostalgic about foods that you used to have that you choose to no longer consume. There is so much out there to be discovered and enjoyed. Foods that you have never tasted are awaiting you. So, this weekend, instead of getting your grill out, go to a farmer’s market and see what goodies you can find. Try to taste at least three foods (organic, raw) that you have never had before… and support local farmers.
Here is a recipe for a fabulous Mint Shake that I had today.
Mint Shake
Makes 30 oz.
• 1.5 cup water
• ¾ pineapple, cored, and chopped into chunks
• 4-5 dates, pitted (for sweetness, and only if needed)
• 1/3 cup hemp seed
• 2-3 stems of mint (leaves and all)
• 2-3 large beat greens
Blend all ingredients in a high speed blender and enjoy the sweetness and the creaminess of this nutritious shake.
Happy Independence Day!
I have been on the go most of the time and have not spent much time in the kitchen, at least not as much as I wish I had. That, however, does not mean that I have not been keeping up with my Whole Foods Vegan/High Raw diet. Summer and seasonal produce make it very easy to eat fast food (yes, I said fast food, but I am not talking about Burger King or Wendy’s here). If you think about it—what God has provided through nature’s bounty is the fastest food there is—no prep time! Plant it, water it, the sun and the ground will do the rest. All you have to do it pick it and consume it.
The last few days I have been indulging in delicious raspberries. My Mom is growing two different kinds: red and yellow (although they have an orange tint to them). I find that yellow raspberries are much sweeter than the red ones, however the red ones are more aromatic.
Salad greens are in abundance now, so there is no reason not to have a couple of servings a day. Throw greens together (try this combo: dark leaf lettuce, chopped mint, dill and green onions) and eat them with strawberry or honey mustard dressings. Better yet, grind some almonds in a coffee grinder and sprinkle on top—it is a much better choice than your average Parmesan cheese. Very close in texture to cheese, if you miss that feel, and yet so much more nutritious.
Our town is gearing up for the 4th of July celebration—it is a big event here every single year. I am, in fact, going to be partaking in this year’s madness—our church will be set up at the lake to make and sell a few or amazing Russian dishes. Most of them are not going to be vegan… or raw, but I am going to be rolling up my sleeves and helping to raise funds for a much needed building for our church. By the way, it is a small compromise, since the pastor of the church, Leo Pisarchuk, had already hinted at having me set up a juice/smoothie bar in our new building when we get it… and perhaps even an exercise room.
I will be around a lot of foods this weekend that I have grown up with and enjoyed. I had successfully been through one of these tortures last year and survived, as I am planning to do this year as well. Only this year is even better, as I have gone more raw and my body has gotten more junk out. I am planning to go to do my duty fully armed: lots of water, salad and green shakes (smoothies), and whatever dessert I can manage to make between today and tomorrow. I am planning to make the rest of the group want what I have, not the other way around.
As you are getting ready to celebrate America’s (USA) Independence, stay focused and celebrate your independence as well. Independence from sickness, disease, from depression, from extra weight, from junk and toxic foods, and Freedom to be ALL you can be without being bound by the abovementioned.
There is no reason for you to feel nostalgic about foods that you used to have that you choose to no longer consume. There is so much out there to be discovered and enjoyed. Foods that you have never tasted are awaiting you. So, this weekend, instead of getting your grill out, go to a farmer’s market and see what goodies you can find. Try to taste at least three foods (organic, raw) that you have never had before… and support local farmers.
Here is a recipe for a fabulous Mint Shake that I had today.
Mint Shake
Makes 30 oz.
• 1.5 cup water
• ¾ pineapple, cored, and chopped into chunks
• 4-5 dates, pitted (for sweetness, and only if needed)
• 1/3 cup hemp seed
• 2-3 stems of mint (leaves and all)
• 2-3 large beat greens
Blend all ingredients in a high speed blender and enjoy the sweetness and the creaminess of this nutritious shake.
Happy Independence Day!
