Introducing: Vegalicious Cooking Parties

Have you ever wanted to host a party for your closest friends and family members that would leave them  speechless AND entertained?  Not to mention happy and satisfied.  Now you can host a party that will do just that.  

Don’t let your hectic life keep you away from achieving good health OR hold you back from social life. Have a Vegalicious Cooking Party in the comfort of your own home. 

Details

What I will Do:

• I will come to your house and cook for you and your guests! 

What WE [I and the host] will do: 

• We will create a vegan/raw vegan menu to wow your guests :)!

What You [the host] will do:

• Invite family, friends, or even strangers :)
• Serve refreshments
• Provide serving dishes, plates, napkins, glasses and cutlery

What I will bring:

• Supplies
• Ingredients
• Recipes

What we will do during the party:

• I will teach you and the guests how to make deliciously nutritious dishes
• We will talk about nutrition, health and, if you and your guests want to, weight loss

The selected menu will be delicious and easy to prepare. The bonus is that it will also be healthy.

Cost:

• Vegalicious Cooking Class starts at $50/person*

 *Minimum 6 people locally; 8 people out of the area; Prices vary by class depending on chosen menu.

BENEFITS

• Time with Friends: Priceless
• The Way You Feel: Absolutely Amazing!
• Host attends the party, eats food and learns about nutrition FREE of charge!

Host's Responsibilities:

• A perfect host house should be located in a friendly neighborhood, possessing a relaxing ambiance; neat and clean
• The kitchen/dining area should be able to comfortably sit all guests
• There should be enough parking by the house
• The host will provide space [kitchen/dining room], serving plates, dishes, napkins, cutlery, glasses/cups for serving meals, and refreshments
• The host will invite his/her friends/family [they do have to pay]
• The host should coordinate not to have any outside interruptions during the party

READY?

If you are ready to book you Vegalicious Cooking Party, shoot me an e-mail and we will talk details.

Raw Vegan Cooking Class {Columbus/Blacklick/Reynoldsburg OH}

Un-Cook Vegaliciously!

Registration is now open for Raw Vegan Cooking Class!

This time the class is going to be held in Blacklick, OH.  Anyone in/around Columbus, OH metro area is welcome to register. 

Come to make/eat scrumptious raw dishes and learn about benefits of a raw food diet.

$55

Details

WHEN: February 19, 2011; 5-7 pm 

WHERE: Blacklick OH [address will be provided to registered participants]

WHAT: Participants will learn about the benefits of incorporating raw foods into their diet; learn how to make all of the dishes on the menu and then indulge in eating them all. 

MENU*:

1. Fruit Daiquiri [alcohol free]
2. Tropical Smoothie
3. Corn Bisque
4. Avocado Cucumber Creamy Soup
5. Zucchini Spaghetti in Creamy "Alfredo" Sauce
6. Kale Chips or Flax Crackers
7. Strawberry Thumb Cookies

All ORGANIC ingredients!

Please notify me if you have any FOOD ALLERGIES!


*I reserve the right to make changes to the menu as necessary.

The class is a perfect excuse to have a DATE night, to hang out with a friend, or just get away by yourself to indulge in a scrumptious meal and learn a few healthful tricks. We will make the meal together, so you can have a hands-on learning experience and know how to do it on your own.

HOW: You can register on-line or by mail [contact me for the second method]

COST: $55 per person. Space is limited to 10 people.

TO REGISTER: If you are viewing this post on EHBH blog you will have an option right under this paragraph to register via PayPal [you don't even have to have a PayPal account, as long as you have a credit or a debit card!].

$55

If you are getting this through RSS feed and cannot see the payment option, please click through to go to the blog post.

Feel  free to e-mail me with any questions.

Vegan Cooking Class {Dublin OH}

Good day, Loves!

I hope you can join me for the next Vegan Cooking Class, which will be held in Dublin OH [address will be provided to registered attendees only].

DETAILS

WHEN: February 4, 2011; 7-9:30 pm [Friday]

WHERE: Dublin, OH

WHAT: You will partake of a 2-course meal*:

1. Manicotti

2. My Secret Apple Pie!

Refreshments will also be served! I might even teach you how to make rejuvenating, energy boosting Smoothies for the whole family—the kind that will give you a jump start and heal your body at the same time.

All ORGANIC ingredients!

Please notify me if you have any FOOD ALLERGIES!

*I reserve the right to make changes to the menu as necessary. 

The class is a perfect excuse to have a DATE night, to hang out with a friend, or just get away by yourself to indulge in a scrumptious meal and learn a few healthful tricks. We will make the meal together, so you can have a hands-on learning experience and know how to do it on your own. I will also tell you all about the benefits of a plant-based diet, and feed you a 2 course meal!

HOW: You can register on-line or in person [contact me for the second method]

COST: $35 per person. Space is limited to 6 people.

TO REGISTER: If you are viewing this post on EHBH blog you will have an option right under this paragraph to register via PayPal [you don't even have to have a PayPal account, as long as you have a credit or a debit card!].

If you are getting this through RSS feed and cannot see the payment option, please click through to go to the blog post. 

$35 per person

SCHOLARSHIPS

I am offering 1 [one] scholarship to a deserving person who is looking to improve health yet does not have funds to come to the class.

To apply for the scholarship, please e-mail me directly, telling me who you are, what you are hoping to change in 2011 to improve your health and why, and why you deserve the scholarship.

I hope to see you there!

Plant Based {Vegan} Cooking Class in Dublin OH

Mark you calendars, Ohioans!   I will be holding a plant based [vegan] cooking class in 3 weeks in Dublin OH. 

DETAILS

WHEN: November19, 2010; 7-9:30 pm

WHERE: Dublin, OH [exact address will be provided to all registered]

WHAT: You will partake of a 2-course meal*:

1. Ratatouille [no, it is not a dish that was invented for a movie :)].  Learn how to make nutrient and vitamin rich delicious dish that will melt in your mouth.  

2. My Secret Apple Pie!

Refreshments will also be served! I might even teach you how to make rejuvenating, energy boosting Smoothies for the whole family—the kind that will give you a jump start and heal your body at the same time;

All ORGANIC ingredients!

Please notify me if you have any FOOD ALLERGIES!

The class is a perfect excuse to have a DATE night, to hang out with a friend, or just get away by yourself to indulge in a scrumptious meal and learn a few healthful tricks. We will make the meal together, so you can have a hands-on learning experience and know how to do it on your own.  I will also tell you all about the benefits of a plant-based diet, and feed you a 2 course meal!

HOW: You can register on-line or in person [contact me for the second method}

COST: $35 per person. Space is limited to 10 people.

TO REGISTER: If you are viewing this post on EHBH blog you will have an option right under this paragraph to register via PayPal. If you are getting this through RSS feed, click on this link: REGISTER.

$35 per person

That is how simple it is!

SCHOLARSHIPS

A very generous donor wanted to make it possible for 3 people who otherwise could not afford to come to learn life-saving cooking techniques to do just that! 

I am offering 3 partial scholarships:

• Two scholarships--$25 each
• One scholarship--$30

To apply for scholarships, please e-mail me directly.

I hope to see you there!

Plant Based {Vegan} Cooking Class in Columbus OH

Good morning, loves!

I am so excited to announce my first Vegan Cooking Class in Columbus OH!  You will not only learn how to make healthy, scrumptious food that will help you with weight loss and boost your energy, but you will also get to eat it!  How fantastic is that?  You will get to have a four [4] course meal along with an information-filled nutrition class all at once!

WHEN: October 1, 2010; 7-9:30 pm

WHERE: Pickerington, OH [exact address will be provided to all registered]

WHAT: You will partake of a 4-course meal*:

             1. Breakfast Smoothies: How to make rejuvenating, energy boosting Smoothies for the whole family—the kind that will give you a jump start and heal your body at the same time;

             2. Apple Celery Boats filled with raw, energy giving goodness—the kind that will get your taste buds dancing; OR a Big Green Mojo—salad with a combination of greens out of this world served with home-made Strawberry Dressing;

            3. MAIN DISH: Curry Potatoes with Veggies

           4. Elena's Secret Chocolate Chip Cookies. They are SO SECRET you might even be required to take an oath not to share the secret.

All ORGANIC ingredients!

Please notify me if you have any FOOD ALLERGIES!

 

The class is a perfect excuse to have a DATE night, to hang out with a friend, or just get away by yourself to indulge in a scrumptious meal and learn a few healthful tricks. I will make the meals, teach you how to do the same at home, tell you all about the benefits of a plant-based diet, and feed you a 4 course meal!

HOW: You can register on-line or in person [contact me for the second method}

COST: $50 for 1 person; $80 for a couple on a date; $85 for two friends hanging out [if they register at the same time].

TO REGISTER: If you are viewing this post on EHBH blog you will have an option right under this paragraph to register via PayPal.  If you are getting this through RSS feed, go to EHBH blog.  On the left panel you will see an option to register for the class.  Go ahead and choose quantity and... REGISTER :)  That is how simple it is!

REGISTER

Choose ONE

1 {Student} $50.00 2 {Couple on a Date} $80.00 2 {Friends Having Fun} $85.00

!!! When making the payment make sure to provide your contact information [name and e-mail address] and specify the date and the time of the class you would like to attend!!!

If you have any questions, please e-mail me!

*I reserve the right to change/adjust Menu items if needed.  I also reserve the right to cancel a class if there are not enough attendees registered--participants will be notified in advance.

There is enough space to accommodate 10-14 people, so hurry!!! :) [I personally can't wait!]  Also make sure to spread the word and tell your friends and family about this fun event!
 
What people said about their experience in my past cooking classes:

I really enjoyed the class. It gave me so much insight to what I am putting in my body. I think it's a great introduction that will inspire me to make better choices. I would love to take many more classes! ~J

I had a great time! I thought it was very informative. I really enjoyed hearing your personal stories as to why you choose a raw vegan diet. The recipes were really easy. I am looking forward to learning how to make more meals that I could make for my family. I LOVED the breakfast stuff and the ice cream. ~C

Delays and News

Good Day, Loves!

DESSERT E-BOOK DELAY

Just wanted to post a quick note and apologize for a delay in the long promised e-cookbook [first edition: Desserts].

I plan a lot of things, but life happens and sometimes encroaches on my perfect plans, as this is the case in this situation.  With weather semi-cooperating in Washington we are taking advantage of it and working hard to finish remodeling [among other big projects], which leaves very little time for cooking or creativity ;)  In the next 2-4 weeks all things will be finished, though, and life will be back to normal.  I will once again be spending time in the kitchen and working hard on releasing Dessert e-book, followed by Main Dish e-book.  Both Vegan.  Desserts will have raw and gluten free recipes AND will have a couple of my SECRET recipes, so it will be worth the wait ;)

FITNESS CERTIFICATION

Meanwhile, crazy me is working on another huge project!  I am starting my certification process to become a group fitness instructor :)!  Yes, you heard it right--a FITNESS instructor.  Today I will be taking my CPR certification class and will start studying for the certification exam with AFAA, which will take place in less than a month.  I can hardly believe this is happening but I am super excited. 

I am currently talking to a couple of gyms that are interested in bringing me on to teach Power Yoga/Pilates class.  Once the selection is final I will let you know WHERE and WHEN you can find me.

As for now, here are a couple of my favorite workout videos.

Yogalosophy [be ready to walk funny for the first few days after your first workout, because it will WORK YOU!]

Kristin McGee Power Yoga DVD is another favorite of mine.  Almost no fluff [I am no fluff kind of girl ;)] and works every muscle in your body.

COOKING CLASS

Yet, on another note, my hubby and I will be in Columbus OH area next month and I will offer a plant-based [vegan] cooking class there.  If you are in the area [Columbus, Westerville, Worthington, Bexley, Pickerington, Gahanna, Hilliard, Canal Winchester, OH or surrounding areas] and are interested in coming out to the class, let me know and I will send you all details.  I will also follow up with another post next week with the menu and everything you need to know to register. 

If you have friends/family in Columbus, OH area who would love to come to the class, send them my way :).  We will make delicious meals, talk nutrition, weight loss, and how to stay youthful and vibrant.

PEACH GREEN SMOOTHIE

Today I enjoyed a delicious green smoothie.  Here is the recipe.

~3 cups water

~2 peaches [hopefully ripe]

~3 cups cantaloupe

~large handful of lambsquarters

~large handful of kale

~3 tbs dulse

~2 tbs maca powder

~3 tbs hemp seeds

~2 tbs cacao nibs

HAPPY WEEK!

Until next time, loves, have a great, healthful life!

Plant-Based Cooking Class, Longview WA {Vegan}

It is official! I am pulling off a Plant-Based Cooking Class this month, in Longview, WA. Here are the details!

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!

WHEN: May 22nd, 2010; 11 am-1:30 or 2 pm

WHERE: Longview, WA—address will be given ONLY to registered participants

WHAT: I will teach you how to make the most delicious 4-5 meals and wow the crowd and please your taste buds!

HOW MUCH: $40/person; $75/two friends hanging out; $70/couple on a date!

No Dairy! No Soy! And I will avoid Gluten at all cost possible too :)!

All Plant-Based! All Organic! All Exciting!

MENU

DRINK: Mint/Lime Lemonade

DESSERT: Raw Cheesecake [wheat/gluten free, soy free, dairy free, animal free!]

APPETIZER: Scrumptious Salad with Home-Made Ranch Dressing [wheat/gluten free, soy free, dairy free, animal free!]

MAIN DISH: Curry Potatoes with Veggies

MORE: A surprise dish!

I reserve the right to change/adjust Menu items if needed.  I also reserve the right to cancel a class if there are not enough attendees registered--participants will be notified in advance.

The class is a perfect excuse to have a DATE Saturday, to hang out with one of your friends, or just get away by yourself to indulge in a scrumptious meal and learn a few healthful tricks. I will make the meals, teach you how to do the same at home, tell you all about the benefits of a plant-based diet, and feed you a 4-5 course meal!

I am able to accommodate only 10-12 people and seats are available on first-pay first-serve basis.

If you would like to participate in the class, please send your payment via PayPal [see the link at the bottom of this post, or, if you are getting this post through e-mail feed, please go to my blog and look on the left panel for this option: Sign Up for a Cooking Class with Elena], or, if you are local and prefer to pay in person, you can dropoff your payment in cash [you will need to contact me first, of course]. I will then send you Class Guidelines for your review and signing.

If you have any questions, please e-mail me!

Hope to see you there!!!

!!! When making a payment make sure to provide your contact information [name and e-mail address] and specify the date and the time of the class you would like to attend!!!

PS: Please notify me if you have any FOOD ALLERGIES!

What people said about their experience in my past cooking classes:

I really enjoyed the class. It gave me so much insight to what I am putting in my body. I think it's a great introduction that will inspire me to make better choices. I would love to take many more classes! ~J

I had a great time! I thought it was very informative. I really enjoyed hearing your personal stories as to why you choose a raw vegan diet. The recipes were really easy. I am looking forward to learning how to make more meals that I could make for my family. I LOVED the breakfast stuff and the ice cream. ~C

REGISTER NOW:

Choose ONE

1 {Student} $40.00 2 {Couple on a Date} $70.00 2 {Friends Having Fun} $75.00

Vegan Cooking Class, Longview and Kelso WA

When: Tomorrow, February 19th, 2010

Location: Kelso, WA [address will be provided only to those who have confirmed reservation by paying]

Time: 6:30-8:30 pm

COST: $40/person

DETAILS: If you enjoy eating and making meals that satisfy your taste buds AND improve your health, this is one Cooking Class you would not want to miss!

I have successfully reversed several of my and my husband’s health conditions: high cholesterol, chest pains, hypothyroidism, joint pain, etc., and lost unwanted weight by simply making changes to our diet. My husband was able to get off medication in a few short weeks and was given a bill of great health by his doctor [read more about it here].

Ever since then I developed a passion to tell people about my healing secret and will be talking about it during this information packed Cooking Class, while making scrumptious, plant-based meals for the participants.

On the menu*:
1. Breakfast Smoothies: How to make rejuvenating, energy boosting Smoothies for the whole family—the kind that will give you a jump start and heal your body at the same time;
2. Apple Celery Boats filled with raw, energy giving goodness—the kind that will get your taste buds dancing; OR a Big Green Mojo—salad with a combination of greens out of this world served with home-made Strawberry Dressing;
3. Lasagna—all plant based! You won't believe it is not made with dairy; AND
4. Elena's Secret Chocolate Chip Cookies. They are SO SECRET you might even be required to take an oath not to share the secret.

I will also talk about:
1. How to Creatively transform your/your family's diet;
2. Learning Practical, Easy ways to satisfy your hunger and improve your health, while Losing Unwanted weight;
3. Where to shop for a plant-based diet;
4. Essential Kitchen gadgets/appliances for a successful plant-based diet;
5. And much more

There are only TWO spots left!

To sign up, call me at 360-355-7370, or e-mail me.

*menu items are subject to change

Vegan Cooking Class and Information Session, Longview & Kelso WA and Surrounding Areas

Good morning, folks!

It is a beautiful morning and I am excited to let you know that the date for our next Cooking/Information class has been finalized. Here are the details.

Date: Friday, February 19th, 2010

Time: 6:30 pm-8:30 pm

Location: Kelso, WA [the class will be hosted by a lovely friend of mine, the address to her house will be made available ONLY to those who SIGN UP(pay) for the class]

Investment: $40/person, $80/two people or $115 for three people.

Method of Payment: You can pay by PayPal [link on the left <---] to reserve your space. Cash payments are also accepted, if you would like to drop by and pay ahead of time. [Contact me for details on this option.]

Space is limited and is guaranteed on first pay first serve basis. Payment must be made in order to attend this class.

What to Expect:
Cooking:
I will teach how to make 4 different dishes: Breakfast, Salad, Main Dish, and Dessert [combination of raw and cooked foods]

Topics for Discussion:
*Benefits of a plant-based diet;
*How to make a successful transition;
*Food to eat to improve your health and shed unwanted pounds;
*Foods beneficial for healing and hormone balance
*And many other topics [and don't forget that you will get to meet and make friends with others who are working on improving their health through nutrition]

Half of the spaces have already been reserved, so hurry up to ensure a spot in the class.

If you are unable to attend this class yourself but know of someone who would greatly benefit from this class--give them a gift that will keep on giving--a gift of knowledge and health. Sign them up for the class!

Should you have any questions, shoot me an e-mail at elena[dot]wilkins[at]gmail.com [make sure to replace [dot] and [at] with actual signs].

Hope to see you then.

Vegan Cooking Class, Longview WA and Surrounding Areas

Good evening, lovely, health minded people!

I am planning to offer a couple of Vegan Cooking Classes in Longview WA next month, and am currenly looking for a host. What do I mean by that?

Instead of renting a facility, like I did last year [and enjoyed it], this time around I would like to find someone who is very passionate about learning healthful living and improving health and shedding pounds through indulging in scruptious and delicious recipes.

A host should be willing to make his/her kitchen and dining room available for me to teach participants how to make amazing vegan dishes and share nutrition Whats and Hows.

An ideal setting would be an open spacious kitchen with a lot of counter space, and enough room to fit in 6-10 participants.

A host will receive a free lesson and a few course meal to boot :)!

If you are interested or know someone with an ideal setting who might be, please contact me via e-mail at elena.wilkins[at]gmail[dot]com [please replace [at] with @ and [dot] with a period]. I am looking forward to hearing from you!

Vegan/Raw Cooking Classes

______________________________________
Update
3 spaces available for 6/26/09 class
______________________________________

The dates for the classes have been set! The good news is that we set 2 (two) dates: one on a Saturday and one on a Friday night, to accommodate as many people as we can. I have more good news: it looks like we will be able to get up to 7 students in each class!!!

So, here are the details:

Date: 6/26/2009 (Friday)
Time: 6 pm-8 pm

Location: Longview Sewing & Kitchen
945 Washington Way, Longview, WA 98632


Unprocessed Life Basics
with Elena Wilkins

$55 per person or $99 per couple
Registration Required

Space is limited to 7 seats per class, so register today!

Supercharge your health and send your energy levels soaring! Learn how to nourish your body with the foods for which you are biologically designed—you will be amazed by the results.

This class will teach those who are looking how to add nutritious healthy meals to everyday life and those who are embarking on a vegan/raw food diet, how to do it easily and effectively. Participants will have a chance to explore how to make this lifestyle work for them.

Through lecture, demo, hands-on experience and tasting participants will learn how to create raw and cooked vegan dishes and take advantage of all the health benefits they provide. Participants will learn the principles and techniques that will help them prepare tasty food with less fat, salt and sugar.

Instructor: Elena Wilkins, Unprocessed Life Lifestyle Coach. Elena has thrived on a vegan/high raw food diet for almost 3 years, and has studied extensively on the subject of health, nutrition and diet. By incorporating vegan diet into her family’s life she was able to reverse her and her husband’s health conditions and helped others along the way. You can find more information about Elena at: http://www.eathealthybehappy.blogspot.com/.

On the Menu:
• Alfredo Pasta*
• Rice and Beans and loads of Greens**
• Hummus Wraps*
• Bell Pepper Salad***
• Kale Salad***
• Banana Strawberry Ice Cream***
• Fruit/Green Smoothie***

Up for Discussion:
• Vegan/Raw food diet basics (Why, What, How)
• Kitchen organization for healthy cooking
• What equipment to have in the kitchen
• What food to keep on hand
• Food Combining
*Dish will have raw and cooked options
**Dish is a combination of raw and cooked ingredients
***All raw ingredients
Elena reserves the right to substitute ingredients and menu items. However, she will make every effort to remain true to the advertised menu.

Registration and Payment Policies
Class Sign-Up: To register or to receive more information, contact Elena at 360-355-7370 or e-mail at mailto:elena.wilkins@gmaill.com, or call the store at 360-578-2628. To guarantee your place in a class, payment and student waiver must be received when you enroll. If a class has insufficient enrollment number, it will be cancelled 24 hours prior to the start of the class. You will be contacted by phone regarding cancellation. You will receive a full refund or will have an opportunity to reschedule for a different time.

Cancellations: To cancel your class registration, please contact Elena or the store at 360-578-2628. A full refund will be credited if you cancel 48 hours prior to the start of the class. A 2-day notice of cancellation is required in order to contact others on the waitlist; otherwise we cannot refund or transfer it to a future class.

Waitlist: When a class is sold out, your name will be added to a waitlist. If an opening becomes available, you will be contacted by phone or e-mail. Please leave a phone number where you can be reached night or day, as well as an e-mail address, if you have one.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Let me know if you have any questions!!!

If you know of someone else that might be interested in taking the class, please pass on this information!

Until then, EAT HEALTHY!!! LIVE HAPPY!!!

Let’s start a HEALTH REVOLUTION in this town! Even it if is one meal at a time : )

Elena

Happy Wednesday

Today’s food intake will be (not including lunch, since I have not decided what to make yet):

• Water throughout the day [remember to stay hydrated!]
• Big bowl of watermelon (eat watermelon at least 20-25 minutes before any other food, and at least 30-40 minutes after other fruit, or 40-50 minutes after fresh veggies and green, or at least 2 hours after a cooked meal, that does NOT contain animal ingredients. Watermelon passes through our stomach in about 15 minutes, and if backed up, will ferment in your intestines.)
• Apples for snacks (crunchy apples, such as Fuji, have been my snack of choice for a long time)
• Green Smoothie made with:
o Water
o Pineapple
o Banana
o Hemp Seed (not only is a great source of protein and Omega-3 and -6, but it makes smoothies very creamy)
o Couple of dates for sweetness
o Chard

• For lunch: sticky rice with sautéed veggies (I normally keep my vegetables uncooked, but since I was very busy last night editing images from a recent session, my sister made today’s lunch, and that was her choice of preparation).

I have an intense power yoga* work-out today, and them more editing to do, so my evening meal will be very simple.

Enjoy your Wednesday and remember that Unprocessed Foods will give you long lasting energy and are a better source of vitamins, nutrients and minerals compared to what you would find in any supplement bottle.

Don’t forget that there is one more UNPROCESSED LIFE BASICS class coming up this Friday at 6 pm in Longview, WA. Details HERE. I hope to see you there.

*Power Yoga is a non-meditative very physical type of yoga that concentrates on flexibility and strength building through.

Monday Raw Creations

Over the last week I indulged in a few raw treats.

Strawberry Buckwheat Cookies
(I blogged about them in this post).

Mango Sorbet with Banana Crackers
Strawberry Salad

This is my new invention. I teach how to make it in my Cooking Classes (the only raw/vegan cooking class in Cowlitz County and surrounding areas!), so make sure to sign up. There is a class coming up this Friday at 6 pm.

Yam Chips

· Peel and slice yams on the thinnest mandolin setting.
· Soak in water for 30-60 minutes to reduce starch.
· Sprinkle with juice of ½-1 lemon
· Add your favorite seasoning and minced garlic
· Salt to taste (lightly), if at all
· Dehydrate at 115 F until crisp (about 18-24 hrs)

As you can see, eating healthy is not boring, and by no means will you be lacking any vitamins. On the contrary, you will get more than what you get on the SAD (Standard American Diet) and your body and mind will thank you for it.

Enjoy your Monday, and remember to live an UNPROCESSED life!

Unforgettable Experience: Raw/Vegan Class Follow-up

There are unforgettable moments in all of our lives that do not get erased by time or other events. Yesterday was one of those moments for me. I had the pleasure of offering my first ever group cooking class. 5 wonderful ladies joined me, to learn about whole foods nutrition and to eat delicious food that we made together. I can speak for myself... and for Demetrye, who came along to help me, but I had a blast!

Here are the participants of my Unprocessed Life Basics class (from left to right): Whitney, BriAnne, Linda, Jenica, Becky, and I. Demetrye, without whom this class would not be as great as it was, took this picture. [Babe, thank you for your help and wonderful support].

While I was cooking and talking about nutrition, Demetrye, between handing me ingredients and washing my utensils, snapped a couple of pictures.

Here, Becky and Linda are in action, making Zucchini Noodles with Sauce.

I made the sauce for the noodles.

Before the day class was over, which we started with dessert, by the way :), my students had enjoyed 7 delicious, mostly raw dishes.

I will be offering one more class this coming Friday, at 6 pm (6/26/2009) at the same location. There are still 4 seats left, so make sure to hurry and sign up. Details in this post.

Until next time: EAT HEALTHY! LIVE HAPPY!

Attention! Vegan Classes Start SOON!

We are only 2.5 days away from our first ever Whole Foods (Vegan/Raw) cooking class in Longview/Kelso, WA area (Cowlitz county and surrounding areas: Portland, OR, Vancouver, WA, Rainier, OR; etc.). There is still time to sign up (see the post below)! Come and join me and others as we talk about what we can do to improve our health and well-being, or, give someone you know and care about a gift and send them to the class (contact me for gift-certificate info).

Contact me with any questions: 360-355-7370. See the post below for details on class registration.

Hope to see you this Saturday!

Vegan Treats

There is a major misconception among the general public that the vegan diet is somehow boring. It cannot be farther from the truth. Vegan diet can be exciting and very adventurous.

My regular readers/visitors to my blog already know my stand on vegan substitutes, such as veggie burgers, processed tofu, cream cheese, cheeses, etc. I am not a fan of them and believe that we can live completely without them. Unfortunately, when Demetrye and I changed to the vegan diet, we had gone through a phase of using such vegan substitutes, but only because we did not have anyone to teach us better. I believe that people that use such substitutes occasionally can get away with that, but there are also those who are "heavy" users. I believe that they, unfortunately, cannot fully benefit from a truly vegan diet, which ideally should consist of whole foods.

Now, this does not mean that vegans are banished to a life of eating salads, fruits and nuts only. Not at all. My diet is high raw, but once in a while I still make great baked desserts that do not involve any animal products at all. They come out to be even more delicious then their "animal" counterparts.

One of my favorite things to bake for my husband, who could eat sweets 24-7, is chocolate chip cookies. Unfortunately for my readers I won't be sharing the recipe for this treat on my blog--this is one of those things that I keep private for a reason or two :) But I just wanted to show that the plant-based diet is not boring or blend. It can be super delicious and fun.

For this treat I ground my own flour and instead of using oils and butters used bananas and apple sauce. The cookies were super light and delicious.

To learn the tricks of transitioning from omnivorous lifestyle to a whole foods plant based diet, make sure to come out to one of my upcoming cooking classes, where I will be sharing tips on how to substitute animal products with plant foods and enjoy your meals more than ever AND gain a better health and a sense of well being.

Until next time: enjoy the benefits of living an UNPROCESSED life!

Save the Date: Vegan/ Raw Cooking Classes

If you live in Longview, Kelso, WA or surrounding areas (Kalama, Rainier, Vancouver, Portland, Castle Rock, Cathlamet, etc.) and you are looking for ways to improve your health through diet you can’t afford to miss THIS!!!

I am so excited to let you know that I am finalizing dates for the first ever Unprocessed Life Cooking Class!!! Currently, all I am waiting on is a response from the venue owner where the classes will be held to get the Green Light!!!

As of now the space that I will be using for classes will limit the class size to 5 students. Since I already received inquiries double that number (and that is even before I posted it anywhere in town!!!) I am going to attempt to schedule either a Friday and Saturday class, or two Saturday back to back classes or even two Saturdays in the row.

The TENTATIVE date is 6/20/2009. We will start at 10 am and will wrap up by 12-12:30 pm. Location: Longview Sewing & Kitchen [945 Washington Way, Longview, WA 98632].

In the first class I am planning to talk about the Basics of healthier living, so I will present a variety of dishes. I am already planning classes that will be dedicated to specific meals: breakfast food, gluten-free living, healthful delicious and guilt-free snacks, etc. Yes, my imagination is running wild and I am totally EXCITED!!!

While I am waiting, I thought I should give you more information on what to expect to learn in the class.

Unprocessed Life Basics
with Elena Wilkins

Time: 10 am-12 pm
$55 per person or $90 per couple
Registration Required

Supercharge your health and send your energy levels soaring! Learn how to nourish your body with the foods for which you are biologically designed—you will be amazed by the results.

This class will teach those who are looking how to add nutritious healthy meals to everyday life and for those who are embarking on a vegan and raw food diet. You will have a chance to explore how to make this lifestyle work for you. Through lecture, demo, hands-on experience and tasting you will learn how to create raw and cooked vegan dishes and take advantage of all the health benefits they provide. You will learn the principles and techniques that will help you prepare tasty food with less fat, salt and sugar.

Instructor: Elena Wilkins, Unprocessed Lifestyles Coach. Elena has thrived on a vegan/high raw food diet for almost 3 years, and has studied extensively on the subject of health, nutrition and diet. By incorporating vegan diet into her life she was able to reverse her and her husband’s health conditions and helped others along the way.

To Register contact Elena (me!) at 360-355-7370, or e-mail her. Space is limited to 5 seats, so register today (as soon as the date is finalized : ) )!

On the Menu:
· Alfredo Pasta (raw; with a cooked option)
· Rice and Beans and loads of Greens (cooked and raw) (subject to change)
· Hummus Wraps (cooked/raw, with all raw alternative)
· Bell Pepper Salad (raw)
· Kale Salad (raw)
· Banana Strawberry Ice Cream (raw)
· Fruit/Green Smoothie (raw)

*I reserve the right to substitute ingredients and menu items. However, I will make every effort to remain true to our advertised menu.

Up for Discussion:
· Vegan/Raw food diet basics (Why, What, How)
· Kitchen organization for healthy cooking
· What equipment to have in the kitchen
· What food to keep on hand
· Food Combining

Registration and Payment Policies

Class Sign-Up: To sign up for a class or to receive more information, contact Elena at 360-355-7370 or e-mail at elena.wilkins@gmial.com. To guarantee your place in a class, payment, registration and student waiver must be received when you enroll. If a class has insufficient enrollment number, it will be cancelled 24 hours prior to the start of the class. We will contact you by phone regarding cancellation. You will receive a full refund or will have an opportunity to reschedule for a different time.

Cancellations: To cancel your class registration please contact Elena at 360-355-7370. A full refund will be credited if you cancel 48 hours prior to the start of the class. We require at least 2 days notice of cancellation in order to contact others on the waitlist; otherwise we cannot refund or transfer it to a future class.
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So, now that you have all information you might need (except for the final date), make sure to start making plans. Let me know if you have any questions!!! If you are planning on enrolling, shoot me an e-mail, so I can plan accordingly!

If you know of someone else that might be interested in taking the class, please pass on this information!

Until then, EAT HEALTHY!!! LIVE HAPPY!!!

Let’s start a HEALTH REVOLUTION in this town! Even it if is one meal at a time : )

Elena

Surviving Cancer: Update

Last week I met (in person) with my mentee that is fighting cancer (let’s keep calling him Mr. C, until he is ready to share his own story with us, which I pray will happen in the near future).

I woke up early last Saturday. Demetrye went to train for marathon (see post below) and I was off to visit with Mr. C. It was almost 5-6 weeks since we initially met and, although, we communicated via phone and e-mail, there is nothing like actually seeing the person. I wanted to see his skin color, his posture, and his energy level. I wanted to go through his cupboards and the fridge to see what was really going into his body (I do that with people I consult, if you are wondering… : ) It is not my normal behavior, though, so don’t be scared to invite me over : ) )

When I got to Mr. C’s house he greeted me at the door. I was so pleased with what I observed. His skin, once yellow and tightened, now has a healthy glow to it. His eyes are full of living fires and zest for life. He no longer looks as exhausted as the first time I met him. There is more of a spring to his step, instead of a painful shuffle I observed on our first visit.

Mr. C and I chit-chatted while I grilled him about his food, his appliances and exercise. I was so excited by the changes that were made since I last rummaged through his kitchen. His counters are lined with super-machines: Vita-Mix blender, Green Star juicer, Excalibur dehydrator, a food processor, and a sprouter! It is every raw foodist’s Dream Team!

As Mr. C shared with me about his successes and temptations we threw together a cracker mix and laid it out on a dehydrator sheet—a great way to spice up an all raw, cancer fighting diet. Since Mr. C cannot consume sugary fruits (sugar feeds cancer, so even fruit sugars should be avoided until cancer is terminated), there has to be a way for him to add a new dimension to his diet and keep his palette satisfied, while eradicating cancer from within. We combined flax seed (we ground a portion and kept second portion as whole seeds) with garlic, tomatoes and celery, with a bit of water, and spread it to dry. I am planning to check with Mr. C to see how he enjoyed his treat.

Mr. C told me about an amazing awakening in his spiritual life and how he was divinely assisted in making a decision concerning his recovery path. I so pleased to hear it! I always encourage people to keep journals when switching from SAD (Standard American Diet) to whole foods diet. As the body purifies itself the mind gets clearer, and the spirit gets stronger. The voice of God is no longer clouded with toxic effects of poisonous food, so we are able to hear Him clearly.

Mr. C is also now able to move more. He now has enough energy to exercise and even mow his lawn. He is even planning on building himself a sauna! That’s a way to go, Mr. C! Plan your future! He is also developing his own garden where he will be growing delicious organic produce.

Mr. C had told me that he already has gone one full day with NO PAIN MEDICATION! I am certain that he will have many more of them.

Mr. C’s next check-up and physical tests are scheduled for the end of June. I know that the war is not over yet and I am not certain when it will end, but we are winning it—one battle at a time. We will keep praying for his complete recovery while giving his body tools to rejuvenate. Mr. C has more good days now, although he still has his bad days. But we know that all things are possible, because we believe in Mr. C’s Creator’s ability to perform miracles.

Please pray for Mr. C—he is an amazing family man and a community member. His family and the rest of us need him to hang around a while longer.

I will keep you posted on his progress.

Update Time!

My cancer mentee called me today! (Since I don’t want to divulge my friend’s name, until I have his approval, I have no gentler way to describe him. But let's call him Mr. C!)

I had tried to stay in touch with him and his wife, but it was a challenge in the last couple of weeks, so I let it go. I came to the conclusion that I gave them enough tools to start this journey and the rest is up to them.

He e-mailed me a couple of days ago, but I have not had time to respond, so he actually called me. How exciting—I finally saw the proactive side of him!

He simply called to report on his progress, which is very uplifting. Keep in mind that this man was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, and by now, after chemo had failed and weakened him miserably, the doctors told him there is nothing else they could do for him, except maybe surgery on his thyroid, but even with that he is sure to die… at least that’s what they told him.

He called to tell me that he has more energy than he had in a long time—he is now exercising, mowing his lawn, traveling. A part of his femur bone was removed due to cancer, so he was in constant pain and discomfort. He told me that the pain has now lessened! When I first met him about 5 weeks ago, he had to take frequent naps, because he was so week. He told me that he does not have to knap as much anymore. He sound better too! Oh, and when I met him he was slightly overweight—he was able to lose 15 lbs without trying!

He also told me that the clarity of mind is returning to him, as well as his sight is improving! Is that awesome or what? He also reported that he became more spiritually in tune with God, which melted my heart. One of the things I tell people to do that start on the whole foods lifestyle is to always keep a journal handy. As you regain control of your body, you—your spirit, strengthens and gets control over your mind and flesh, thus making it easier for the voice of God to get through to you. If you are walking with God, you will experience a relationship with Him on a whole new level—you hear His voice better, you start having meaningful dreams, you are full of revelations and ideas. After all, you are living a fasted life!

But, back to my friend…

He went to see his oncologist a couple of days ago, and the oncologist was impressed so much with his improvement that he took detailed notes about my friend’s diet and lifestyle change and said that he will order and read The China Study by T. Colin Campbell. I am tickled!

For someone who started on an all raw diet he and his wife are making huge strides! Animal products are especially harmful for cancer patients, and I was impressed to learn that he fell to temptation only twice in the last 5 weeks, but what impressed me, is that he knew how bad it was for him, so he took immediate steps to get it out of his system—through juicing and green smoothies! Way to go!

When I met this man, I told him that I have no guarantees for his life, except that the quality of his life will improve. But I also told him that we don’t only depend on food for healing, we also know the Creator of that food that can complete the work of healing—He can guarantee whatever He chooses. In fact, He already did on the Cross! So, we are still praying for a complete recovery for my friend. Since he has become responsible for his health and took the ownership of his life, he now has the boldness to come to his Creator, and ask for the gift of Health! And our Lord might just amazes us once again!

If you are reading this blog, and you are a believer in Christ, make sure to mention my friend, Mr. C, in your prayer today—help to bring the miracle around!

An Amazing Healing Story: Meet Amanda

A week ago (last Tuesday, May 5, 2009) I had a meeting with a new friend—a local photographer. Her name is Amanda. To ensure that you believe that the story I am about to tell is true, and is unfolding as I type this story, I am adding a link to her web-site. (http://www.poweredbythesonphotography.com/)

The reason for our meeting was two-fold: to get to know each other and to prepare to change Amanda’s life and health.

When I met Amanda about three weeks ago, I did not know [but she did tell me later] that she has been praying for a way to improve her life and her health. She did not know how to, and it is no surprise—there is so much confusing and conflicting information out there, with numerous diets and pills offered as a quick fix to all of our problems. An average person is so overrun by this information and ads that most of the times they just don’t know where to go, what to believe. Even simple, rational and common-sense lifestyle changes become a burden, since there is so much conflict from various sources. So a lot of them end up being paralyzed by indecision and get nowhere at all, sentencing themselves to a life of ill health and bad moods.

Fortunately Amanda did not stop after trying different diets (at least a couple that I can recollect that she mentioned—SAD [Standard American Diet], and a low- or no-fat diet, that actually damaged her health, since it was not properly structured). After meeting Amanda at a photo shoot we chatted on Facebook, where I mentioned to her about my health and has it has been positively revolutionized by a whole foods vegan diet. She became very interested. What I told her made sense, and although appeared challenging in the beginning, was not so overwhelming, as I spoke to her starting with making small changes—such as introducing green smoothies for breakfast. The idea was simple, and… delicious.

A few days later, after Amanda decided that she want to be well badly enough to make whatever changes are necessary, we decided to meet and lay out a plan of action for her.

Whenever I meet or speak with anyone, I encourage them to write down goals. I believe it makes efforts more tangible. The main goal for everyone should never be weight loss, although I know it is to many, but a great state of health: spirit, soul and body. If you focus on weight alone, there are tons of diets that can get you thin, but not well (Atkin’s diet comes to my mind). What you should desire is HEALTH, and when health comes—weight will go. It’s a given! These two components of healthy living go hand-in-hand. When you do things for your body to get well, introducing wholesome foods, your body will start detoxing and healing, and, indivertibly, shedding unnecessary pounds.

When Amanda and I met, we reached the consensus that she should start introducing more whole raw foods into her diet, and reach at least 50/50 ratio of raw to cooked foods. She decided to go vegan, which, of course, was a great decision, as a well structured vegan diet will aid her body in faster detoxification and thus, healing.

I checked with Amanda a couple of days back and again yesterday, to see if she had any questions, struggles or any good news. She was happy to tell me that by simply adjusting her diet alone she was able to lose close to 8 lbs in one week. I was glad to hear that. Amanda had also gone through a few days of feeling better and more energetic and a few sluggish days (which is very common when your body is working hard to get old toxins out of your system). But the most amazing news came yesterday, as we chatted on Facebook. Amanda told me that she had a tumor on her thigh for about 8 months. When she checked her thigh yesterday the tumor was GONE!!! Yes, folks, GONE—not there! And that is only 7 days into her new lifestyle! You never know the healing power of foods God created until you try them in their fullest state of potential!!!

As you can imagine, Amanda and I are ecstatic! She now has even more reasons to press on with her new lifestyle. She has an irrefutable proof that whole foods vegan diet works. And what a great example she will be to her family and friends!

I had asked Amanda to keep a journal of her journey (and food journal) to observe her progress and struggles. I will keep you posted on her story from time to time. If you have a second, stop by her web-site (http://www.poweredbythesonphotography.com/) or her Facebook profile (http://www.facebook.com/inbox/?drop&ref=mb#/profile.php?id=570988379&ref=ts) to congratulate her and to encourage her in her efforts.

If you are looking to make changes in your life, remember that they do not have to be drastic right out of the gates, unless you are battling a serious illness. You can start with one meal a day, then introduce things that you enjoy, only in a whole foods state, then you will be able to transition without feeling deprived. Keep a journal. You will be amazed how emotionally you are tied to the foods you eat. If you don’t believe me, I have a quick test for you. If I ask you to give up foods that you eat now to become vegan or raw vegan, which you know would ensure better health and longer life for you, and your first reaction is NO WAY! or I CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT ____ (fill in the blank), you know that you have an attachment to your food, and mostly likely mild-strong addiction. If you find this to be a struggle but still want to find a way to change, find a local wellness group, meet people that have been through the same journey.

If you are local here, I have organized a Wellness Society and we meet on monthly basis to support and encourage each other, as well as to share delicious foods. We have a meeting coming up this Friday (see details by clicking on the Wellness Society category link to the right). Make sure to join us.

You can also find a nutrition coach that would work with you one-on-one. I provide at home consultations and love meeting people who are serious about their health and life. There are very few things that are as thrilling as seeing someone get better.

There are tons of forums and web-sites, including mine, that have tons of delicious recipes you can try.

So, you see, you are already set up for success when you see right resources. If you are contemplating making a change, remember that the only thing holding you back is YOU! So, take a step, make a change! Be inspired to LIVE!

Have an amazing rest of the night!