Greener than Green {Green Smoothie Recipe and Power Yoga in Westerville OH}

Exciting times!  I am finalizing plans on the start day of teaching my first Power Yoga class in Ohio.  It is very, VERY exciting.  Here are the details {and please don't mind me speaking of myself in third person, since I had to prepare this information for a flyer to be handed out :)}:

Mark Your Calendars! Classes Begin October 18!


Power Yoga at Power Shack
6363 Cooper Rd, Columbus OH

For more information contact Elena:
360-355-7370

Class Schedule
Monday & Wednesday
6:45 pm-7:45 pm





Fee:

• $15/per class drop ins and 1-4 classes
• $12/per class for 5-9 classes, paid in one payment
• $10/per class for 10+ classes, paid in one payment

About Instructor
Elena has practiced Power Yoga since 2008 and taught since 2009. She started taking yoga classes to help heal her hypothyroid condition, as yoga has many inverted poses that increase blood flow to the thyroid gland. She found yoga to be fun and full of challenging opportunities. With exercise and dietary lifestyle changes Elena was able to reverse her hypothyroid condition, lose unwanted weight and tone her body. Since then she made the decision to help others on their quest to better health. Her teaching style is fun, challenging and precise.

About Power Yoga
Power yoga is a general term used in the West to describe a vigorous, fitness-based approach to Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga. Unlike Ashtanga, power yoga does not follow a set series of poses. It emphasizes strength and flexibility. Elena's style of teaching does not involve any meditation, but rather focuses on the physical benefits of Power Yoga.

About Class
Dress in comfortable clothing. We practice in bare feet. Bring your own sticky [floor] mat. Come prepared to move, stretch, balance, increase your strength and have fun.

Newcomers are always welcome. Elena will accommodate all levels of difficulty: beginners, intermediate and advanced.

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If you are in/around Westerville, OH area, I hope you can come out and join me for fun, strength building exercises.

Meanwhile, to help you with your workouts and recovery times, here is a green smoothie you can eat pre/post a workout:

Pear Green Smoothie

• 2 cups water
• 2 pears
• 1 banana
• large handful of cilantro
• handful of basil leaves
• bunch of rainbow chard
• 2 tbs dulse flakes
• 2 tbs hemp seeds

Blend and enjoy before or after a workout. 

Is Vegan Diet the Next Big Thing for Weight Loss and Health?

Fun, fun day for me!

I got two updates from 3 wonderful people.

Lori contacted me a couple of months ago to ask questions about veganism. Her doctor told her that she had to go vegan to save her health [that is a miracle by itself!], which she did in the beginning of June. Two months later she went back to see her doctor and here is her update:

“Good news from my doctor today. She told me to cut in half 3 of my medications. My blood sugar level is fine—I don't have to worry about diabetes anymore.

She told me if I keep this up. I should be off those 3 meds in 3-6 months! This is wonderful news!

Lovin’ being Vegan. It has changed so much for me!

Thanks Elena...for all the help you've given me on this journey so far. I have a way to go still.

~Lori”

That was AMAZING news for me this morning. However, I got another update, this one from Rachel. She and her husband decided to go vegan 2 months ago. She is a fast learner! After speaking with her a couple of times, she was ready! She cleaned out her cupboards and they went shopping. Since then a lot has transpired for them.

Here is what she told me today:

“My husband and I have been 100% Vegan strong!

It will be two months August 16th. My husband “slipped up” twice, but found the food he ate to be extremely salty, greasy, and it actually made him vomit. He won't be eating like that again…

Other than that we haven't even looked back. We don't even think about it anymore. It is like a new lifestyle for us and it is wonderful!

I have lost 15 pounds and my husband 20! We have been eating so well.

I bought a bread maker and I love it! I have upgraded my kitchen so much.

We are members of the farmers market and we get fresh produce once a week for $20/wk. We are saving money and we feel so excellent!

We eat mostly soups, salads, smoothies and more! The food tastes amazing!!!

I have new knifes, and so many new gadgets. My next tool will be the dehydrator I want to try it.

Right now we rotate between 15 recipes we really love and then I'll add a new one every now and then. Yesterday we tried chick pea tacos and it's amazing how it taste just like the real deal.

I believe being Vegan is so easy! I cook so well so it never feels like we are missing out on anything.

We are almost two months strong. I plan on posting before and after photos of my husband and I soon. I want to lose at least 5 more pounds first ;) I could write all day :).

~Rachel”

Rachel, and I could listen all day!

So, dear reader, if you are struggling with health issues and are not sure if going vegan will help you solve some or all of the issues, you just heard of 3 people that did it and have no regrets. The only things they are missing out on now are: extra weight and poor health conditions! That’s it!!!

However, what they had gained since going vegan is so much more: improved health, vitality, clearer mind, slimmer bodies, and longer, healthier lives!

There is no comparison really.

What about YOU?

Are you ready to take the next step for yourself? If you are and not sure how to, I do offer one-on-one and group consultations. In person AND on-line. We can craft a plan fit for you and your lifestyle and get you going toward better health.

All you have to do is e-mail me and let me know that you are interested. I will take it from there.

[Consultation spots are limited to 6 per month, so get into action NOW! :)]

If you want to test the waters and see what we all are crazy about, check out the newly released 3-Day Green Smoothie Cleanse. It might be just that little push that you need to get you started. Go to the STORE page, see what others are saying and get you copy TODAY!

Until next time, Live in Better Health!

Vegan in Longview {WA}

The big weekend has come and gone. We spearheaded a novelty in Longview, WA--introducing Vegan, Vegetarian and Gluten Free options to the population that flocked to the lake Sacajawea to celebrate our nation's Independence Day. Unheard of? Yes, in Longview! Here the obesity rates are reaching 80% and veganism is still widely unheard of and is perceived as a cult rather than a dietary lifestyle.

We even offered GREEN SMOOTHIES this year!  Can you believe that?  Talking about novelties... I offered samples to anyone who would take one [if I had time for it, as we served literally THOUSANDS of people over the 3 days].  Green Smoothies were a hit!  I even had repeat customers.

We also offered veggie wraps and a carrot salad--both amazingly delicious.  And now the Russian Food booth will be known not for its delicious Russian offerings but as a pioneer of health food in Longview at the celebration of the 4th of July, which I count as a great victory. 

Here are a few shots from our fun filled weekend made up of long days [I think I averaged 13-14+ hrs of working the booth every day]. 

and here I am in action, making a batch of Green Smoothies with my faithful VitaMix

 [photo is courtesy of Bob Ward]

Thanks goes out to everyone who came out to support us!

To all of my new friends from this weekend--stay tuned--I will soon be offering a couple of cooking classes to inroduce you to all of the wonderful benefits of a plant-based diet.

4th of July--Vegan Eats to Celebrate in Longview WA

Hello friends!  With the 4th of July quickly approaching I know that some of you, especially the newbie vegans, find yourselves scrambling for picnic ideas.  What to make?  If you live in or nearby Longview and Kelso, WA--I am here to help!

Every year our church--Kelso Church of Truth--runs a booth at the lake selling Russian/Asian Foods.  Every year we have tons of people.  Occasionally we have some inquire on vegetarian/vegan options.  Luckily for them I moved to Longview ;) [I am not kidding either], so this year we will be offering Vegan/Vegetarian Food Options, along with super nutritious, delicious green smoothies! No one will be left out.

So, make sure to come and say HI to me, at Lake Sacajawea in Longview WA this weekend, and to try delicious vegan 4th of July foods.

I hope to see you all there [as is the rest of our working crew ;)]: Friday-Sunday this week! We will be located by the statue of boy with the dog. Come out and bring your friends and family.

See you there!

Attention Longview, Kelso, Vancouver WA and Surrounding Areas Health Enthusiasts

Did you know that 3 out of 10 top New Year Resolutions people make in the beginning of each are health related? You didn’t? Hmmm… Somehow I am suspecting that you might have been one of the ones that made such resolutions.

It is a good time of the year to stop telling yourself that you still have time to fulfill your resolutions and start catching up on them. I am sure that some of you who are reading this post have already pushed them out of your mind a million times.

Well, I, your green fairy, would like to help you to embark on and accomplish some of these 3 out of 10 resolutions, especially the ones related to health! Is that exciting or what?!

Let’s get our health gloves on and knock illnesses out of your bodies!

How can we do that? Well, together, of course! I am would like to host an Information Session and tell you HOW you can get on track with your health, and fight the bulge at the same time.

Information Session on the Benefits of a Plant Based Diet

Presently, before opening registration doors to the eager health seekers, I am looking for a host house where I could hold this session. I could easily find a place in town to do it; however, I find that people are most apt to learn and ask questions in comfy home settings.

Qualifications

CAPACITY: A host house should be able to fit in anywhere between 15-20 people [sitting room].  If your don't have a house big enough but live in an apartment complex with a club house you can reserve, it would make for an equally comfortable arrangement;

ACCOMODATIONS: I will need an outlet where I can plug in a laptop and a projector and space to place a screen;

SETTING: Comfortable, cozy, clean, welcoming house, with enough parking around it, and easy access; enough space to comfortably sit the participants. 

LOCATION: Longview, Kelso WA and/or surrounding areas.  If you live in Vancouver WA area and would like to host a similar session, we can make it happen too!

That is it! I will handle everything else [but of course if you know friends and family that would love to participate you can invite them over!].

So, let’s knock out your commitments and make them a reality! Together.

If you are interested, please leave a comment under this post with your e-mail address or shoot me an e-mail at elena[dot]wilkins[at]gmail.com [make sure the replace [dot] with a period, and [at] with @].

Want to Participate?

If you cannot host the presentation but would like to be a part of one, leave a comment under the post so I can start planning on how many seats we will need to have.

Once I have a host, I will schedule time and date and blast it into the cyber space.

PS: Information Sessions are very different from Cooking Classes.  I do all the talking.  After I am done, the floor will be open for Q&A.  There will be no cooking.

Vegan/Raw Meet-Up and Information Session, Longview, WA

I am excited to announce that I have been able to find a building for our next Wellness Society Meet-Up.

Date: July 22, 2009 [Wednesday]
Time: 7-9 pm
Location: AWPPW Building
724 15th Ave.
Longview, WA 98632

But there is more exciting news! Instead of simply getting together to share delicious raw/vegan [organic] dishes, I will also hold an information session on the benefits of a plant-based diet at the same time. So, if you want to learn more about plant based diet, or know someone who will benefit from it, make sure to come/invite them!!!

I will talk about Whys, Whats, and Hows of a vegan lifestyle. We will cover topics such as:
1. What causes diseases;
2. Why medicine is not working in curing them;
3. Why are we getting sicker;
4. How to stop and reverse the vicious cycle;
5. How a plant-based diet can help you overcome your ailments;
6. How to shed excess weight and keep it off;
7. Why a whole foods plant based diet is effective in reversing diabetes, cancer, MS, allergies, and other serious diseases;
8. How to make a transition (where you get your protein, facts about fat, etc.), and…
9. Much, much more!

I will also answer questions and point you to the right resources to get you started, so you are not left feeling alone and powerless.

How this meeting will work:
1. RSVP is required! To RSVP e-mail me at elena[dot]wilkins[at]gmail[dot]com (make sure to replace [dot] with a period!]
2. Each person will bring a raw vegan [organic] dish (there are many sites that have wonderful and simple recipes, but you don’t even have to look that far—just check out my blog: www.eathealthybehappy.blogspot.com). Please bring enough to feed at least 6 people, so we all can share;
3. Each person will bring his/her own water/drink [please avoid processed drinks], plate and silverware [if you want to eat, that is ;)];
4. Bring a notebook to take notes, but it is completely up to you;
5. There is a small admission fee of $3 per person to help cover the rent of the space, which can be paid on the spot (cash only, please).

Feel free to e-mail me with any questions. I hope to see you there!

Until then: Eat Healthy! Be Happy! And live an UNPROCESSED Life!

Chemotherapy: Is it Effective?

Am I asking a tricky question? Many would tend to think so, or yet, quickly answer: “Yes!”, however, when you ask them how they got to their conclusion, the only answer they can come up with is: “Doctors say it is.”

It is unfortunate, and unfortunately I am saying that it is unfortunate, that we have grown to trust medical doctors more than we trust common sense. It is nearly unfathomable for most to think that the common sense and God-given instinct about lifestyle and food choices could be better than a doctor’s advice. But, are the doctors telling us the truth?

History of Chemo “Therapy”
The first drug used for chemo therapy (treatment with chemicals that kill both bad AND good cells) can be traced back to the beginning of the 20th century. Mustard gas was used during WWI and WWII. During WWII a group of people was exposed to it and was found to have low white cell count. Without any studies, it was then assumed that this gas will have the same effect on cancer cells. In 1940s, instead of exposing patients to gas form of this chemical, several patients were administered the agent intravenously. The was an improvement in them… BUT only temporarily. The pharmaceutical industry quickly jumped at the opportunity to make more money. A promise of life, as short and miserable as it could be during and following chemo, although no one would advertise such facts, was worth big money to those suffering and to their families. The researchers, instead of doing long-term, in-depth studies of the effectiveness of the new-found miracle cure, started to look for other chemicals that would produce same results. Since then chemo drug development has exploded into a multi-billion unstoppable industry.

Side-Effects
(I am not sure what we call it “side” effects—these are newly induced diseases caused by poisonous chemicals)
This is an INCOMPLETE list
• Pain
• Erythema
• Nausea
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Anemia
• Malnutrition
• Hair loss
• Memory loss
• Depression of the immune system, hence (potentially lethal) infections and sepsis
• Dehydration
• Vertigo
• Hematoma
• Dry mouth/ xerostomia
• Psychosocial distress
• Weight loss or gain
• Hemorrhage
• Water retention
• Sexual impotence
• Secondary neoplasms

Damage to specific organs may occur, with resultant symptoms:
• Cardiotoxicity (heart damage)
• Hepatotoxicity (liver damage)
• Nephrotoxicity (kidney damage)
• Ototoxicity (damage to the inner ear)

I hope you are starting to think now… Independently, I mean. Given the list of these side-effects, who in their normal mind would ever call this “therapy” or a “treatment”? Even if you were to make it, by some miracle, you are damaged from within irreversibly. Hair loss is the least of all evils on this list in my opinion. So, please excuse me, but from this point on I will stop using term “therapy” in conjunction with such torture.

• Immunosuppression and myelosuppression
o Chemo cause depression of the immune system. Often it happens due to paralysis of the bone marrow and leading to a decrease of white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. The latter two, when they occur, are improved with blood transfusion.
o In very severe myelosuppression almost all the bone marrow stem cells (cells that produce white and red blood cells) are destroyed.
• Nausea and vomiting
o Chemo induces stimulation of the vomiting center in the brain. However, the drug companies did not leave their patients “hanging”, or should I say “vomiting their guts out”, they came up with… yep, you guessed it, more medication that could suppress or alleviate or delay some of such reactions.

I don’t know about you, but I am already sick to my stomach just talking about adverse reactions to a “healing therapy”. Is it any surprise that millions of cancer patients die even when treated? Doctors won’t admit to this, but most of them die not due to cancer eating away at their bodies, but due to chemo (and all is adverse reactions you just read about). I will move on to what can provide me with an answer to the topic of this post: Chemotherapy: Is it Effective?

Statistics
Have you ever wondered about the fact that you only hear about 5-year survival rates when it comes to chemo? Yet, millions of people undergo the “treatment”. Just imagine if you had any other disease; let’s say an infection in your big tow. You go to see a doctor, and he proceeds to tell you that he will treat you, although while being treated you will be sick, you will lose hair, you won’t be able to function, but… maybe, just maybe, you will live, and maybe, just maybe you will live up to 5 years after the treatment. Will you still do it?

What if the doctor told you that there is only 5-year 2% survival rate* for patients with your condition? Will you still be willing to roll the dice and take a chance to be 1 out of 50 people that might live up to 5 years after the “treatment”? Or would you rather take your chances, change what you can in your life and diet and help your body heal itself, and maybe live another 10-20 years… or, if you do die, at least die without hair loss, nausea, loss of your immune system, etc.?

* [Royal North Shore Hospital Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol) 2005 Jun;17(4):294.]

Conclusion
I hope, albeit this is a short post, you have drawn at least a small understanding of my take on whether chemo is effective or not. And if you are lost, somehow, the answer is an emphatic "NO"!

I was prompted to write about this after learning that at least four people that I know were affected by the cancer industry:
1. Mr. C, of whom I have spoken on this blog, who had received a series of chemo treatments and then was left to die (“No Hope” they told him);
2. A wonderful young lady that I work with has a brother who had just undergone a surgery, losing many of internal organs, after being diagnosed with cancer. He was already told that it will not stop the spread of cancerous cells, but… they did it anyhow, since money, apparently is more important than the human life.
3. My photographer friend’s acquaintance was diagnosed with cancer and is being sent into a surgery… with chemo to follow.
4. My niece’s young, very young friend was diagnosed with cancer and was immediately sent into surgery, having been told that even if she survives she will not have children. I am certain that chemo “offering” will immediately follow the surgery.

Chemo is ineffective. What IS effective is a preventative lifestyle and diet. What is effective for most chemo casualties in reversing and beating cancer is a change to low-fat all plant based whole foods diet and improving their overall lifestyle (activity level and chemical reduction in their surroundings). God created our bodies with a wonderful defense-mechanism called Immune System. It is only when we weaken it (our defenses) that our bodies become prone to getting sick. Chemo weakens our immunity even further, so it makes NO LOGICAL sense to believe it can help. Whole plant based organic diet provides essential material for our bodies to strengthen its immunity and beat foreign invaders, such as cancerous cells, even after they had a chance to multiply and implant themselves into our bodies.

To learn more on the topic of a plant-based diet make sure to come to my next information session. You can find details about it here a couple of posts below, or by clicking HERE. I hope that your curiosity has peeked enough and I will see you there.

I end with a cartoon that speaks volumes on the topic.


Until next time: Live an Unprocessed Life!

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.
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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

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

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!

EHBH Wellness Society Meetup

The date for out next meeting has been set for May 15, 2009 (Friday) at 7 pm. The meeting will be held at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church located at 1428 22nd Ave, Longview, WA 98632 (Heather, thanks for making the arrangements!).

RSVP is required!

If you want to come out for an evening of food, fun and meeting new people, as well as sharing your life experience with others, this is a great opportunity to do so.

Plan on bringing something to share with others [you will need to let me know what it is :)]. It does not have to be complex or gourmet--just organic vegan or organic raw vegan, preferably raw . Please try avoid using soy products, as many people are unable to consume it. If you are not certain what to make, check out my blog, or e-mail me and I can point you to more resourceful sites.

Feel free to spread the word and invite others. However, do let them know that RSVP is required.

You can RSVP by e-mailing me (click on Profile and you will see an e-mail link there) or via Facebook, by clicking on this link.

I hope all of you wonderful people there! Let’s change our community’s health one meal at a time.

ASSIGNMENT: I have an assignment for those of you who are going to be attending: if you have any questions on the topic of nutrition or raw/vegan living, eating or cooking, e-mail me and we will have a Q&A time to go over them. Hearing from you ahead of time will help me prepare most informative answers. E-mail me Profile page (linked above).

"Simply Raw" Movie Screening

If you have not yet seen the documentary DO SO as soon as you can, especially if you, or someone you know is living with diabetes.

The movie screening of “Simply Raw” last Saturday was a success. 20+ people joined us. The documentary got everyone’s attention. You could almost feel that the audience was following the events and emotions of the characters. We followed up with a Q&A session, and have met wonderful people, who suffer from numerous curable ailments. We were delighted with the response from our community and might do similar event in the future.

We will soon plan our next monthly get-together, so stay tuned.

Until next time: EAT HEALTHY!!! BE HAPPY!!!

Announcement!!! Movie Screening!!!

I am pleased to announced that our newly founded Wellness Society is already set to action. After our first meeting Heather had shared her deep desire to share a documentary that she has seen with as many people as she can. We quickly put our heads together and decided that the quickest way to get the information out to as many people as possible is through hosting a movie screening event at a public library.

WHAT: How to Reverse Diabetes and Other Diseases with Nutrition
Movie Screening of “Simply Raw: Reversing Diabetes in 30 Days”

WHEN: April 25, 2009
1:00 p.m.-3:30 p.m.

WHERE: Longview Public Library
1600 Louisiana St, Longview, WA 98632

HOW: You can register a couple of different ways:
1. On Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=63507890979
2. Through Movie Screening event site (click on the link)
3. E-mail me through my Blogger profile page
4. You can also just show up, but space is limited

WHO: The screening will be presented by EHBH Wellness Society. We will be there, viewing the movie with you, and will be available to answer your questions or provide you with leads to resource that can help you with things that we cannot.

Folks, I hope to see you there! I hope to see the room packed out, so that we will have to host another viewing! Make sure to spread the word, and please realize that vegan/raw food diet helps to cure a host of various diseases and infirmities. So, whether you are suffering from diabetes or another ailment, or, even if you are well and want to learn, come out and join us!

Until then: EAT HEALTHY!!! BE HAPPY!!!

Wellness Society

Dear Readers, it is my pleasure to announce that after much thought and consideration I have decided to start Eat Healthy!!! Be Happy!!! Wellness Society—a local wellness group that will emphasize whole foods vegan/raw vegan lifestyle and its benefits. I am now actively looking for a facility that I can use for wonderful and tasty, once a month, potluck meetings. If you know of such a place locally, or are willing to volunteer your own home, please e-mail me: elena (dot) wilkins (at) gmail.com (please replace (dot) with . and (at) with @--I have to do it this way, so I do not get a bunch of junk/spam mail). I am looking for a place where we would not have to pay a fee, or pay a small fee, for the use of facilities, since I am uncertain of what the participants will be willing to do. At this point I already know of at least 10-15 people who are interested in getting involved. Once we start meeting on regular basis and have a core group, we can then make proper arrangements.

The focus of this group, as I mentioned above, will be whole foods vegan diet. You will have a chance to meet other vegan/raw vegan foodists, share your recipes, stories, and taste wonderful meals. You will have opportunities to learn from others’ successes.

I am also planning to invite speakers, when possible and/or appropriate, to share on different topics of healthy living. I already have spoken with a local naturopath, who had graciously agreed to visit with us, once we get going.

The Society will be open to anyone who is wanting to receive support on their health quest, whether they have been vegan/raw vegan for a while, or are just starting out, or, maybe, just considering taking the leap. However, all meals that will be shared at the meeting, will be whole foods vegan/raw vegan.

Having said all this, I am hoping that we can get going soon, and, perhaps schedule our first meeting for sometime in January, just in time for all those New Year resolutions :).

If you are near or in Longview/Kelso, WA area and would like to be added to the list of participants, so that I can e-mail you with information about dates/times/places of our meetings, shoot me an e-mail at the address mentioned in the first paragraph of this post.

I hope you all have a wonderful New Year and a Blessed Christmas!!!

Benefits of a Plant-Based Diet Presentation

Ladies and Gentlemen, if you are in or around 98632 zip code, MARK YOU CALENDARS!!! I will be holding two sessions at the Country Village Nutrition Shoppe and Cafe on August 19 (Tuesday), 3:30-5:30 p.m. and August 23 (Saturday), 12:00-2:00 p.m.

I will be covering topics ranging from nutrition, and how it changed our health, to cooking tips and how to easily incorporate small changes into your daily life that will bear big results. There will be enough time for you to ask questions as well. Not only that, but I will be bringing along delicious samples. YOU SIMPLY CAN'T MISS THIS!!!

Admission is FREE, however, space is limited , so if you decide to come, you need to register. You can do so by calling the Country Village Nutrition at 360-425-8100 or by visiting them in person at 711 Vandercook Way, Longview, WA.

See you there!!!