I may not know where protein comes from...

... But I KNOW a Vegan does not eat eggs!!!!

Funny thing, I had my yearly physical a few weeks back, and my nurse practitioner always has you back for the results. This week I had that appointment....

When she was looking at my blood results, I did inquire about my iron levels as they were low last year, and I happened to make the comment that I don't eat meat.... Hmm, well she asked if I was a vegetarian, sometimes I think it is just as easy to say yes to this question, so that is what I did. She asked if I ate fish or eggs? I told her I was actually more of a vegan than a vegetarian. Well that was okay, she told me, because vegans ate eggs, so I should eat more of them to get my protein. Funny, this lady thinks I should see a nutritionist to make sure I get all I need, but I had to have a ten minute discussion with her and explain the difference between a vegan and a vegetarian.... and for those that don't know, a vegan does not eat eggs.

I do not know exactly where my protein comes from, or the carbohydrates, or the iron or the vitamins, I never have been very knowledgeable in that aspect of food. All I know is that my blood levels were great, including my iron, cholesterol and triglycerides. The only thing that was on the low side was my Vitamin D, and I'm pretty sure I don't get that from food anyways, but I have to research that one some more....

Happy Saturday Everyone, I'm off to lay in the sun....

A Healthy Start!

"Always be prepared" I think that is the boy-scout motto, I think it should also be a raw foodist’s motto. However, I must admit, that phrase has me thinking about cookies lately, thanks to Rawdorable’s website.

My 30 days started out rocky, so I figured a new week, a new beginning and a fresh start! Also, it gave me the chance to get "prepared" over the weekend.... plan some meals, make some "emergency" food and stock the fridge for the next week (or the next few days at least).

Also, I think that Monday is always a good start for anything new regarding food, at least for me. I don’t have the distraction of the weekend, or the kids, or having to prepare three meals a day for everyone. Day number three, which is always the hardest for me, will hit mid-week, when I still only have to make one meal at home (unless Grandpa is feeding the kids this week, which he often does for me *smile*), and by the time the weekend hits again, I will have five days under my belt, so temptation is not as strong. Plus, this upcoming weekend, I am "kidless" and therefore, I can prepare all the raw pasta I want, with no scrunched up noses; although I will miss looking at those scrunched up noses.

I have also loaded the fridge with lots of "treats", because for this to work for me, I can’t feel deprived at all, therefore there is raw chocolate, nuts, seeds and a variety of other things to help me feel satisfied to get this "kick-start" I need. I will wean these foods out down the road.
Also, this upcoming weekend, I have a date, with my little step-sister Robin, we finally going to have lunch at one of the Raw Food Restaurants in Toronto... its been a long time coming for us, and I’m looking forward to it! Now, do I attend Live Organic Food Bar or Rawlicious???

Who put the Guac in the Guacamole?

This weekend was spent trying lots of recipes to fill the fridge with yummy treats and snacks for the following week. Guacamole and Salsa are some of my favorite things, and of course, a dehydrator would come in really handy to make some chips to go with that dip!!

The chip in the dip is not raw, but it is a healthy alternative to the regular processed chips. Kristen is about to enjoy her "requested" chips and dip cuddled on the couch with a nice movie. I got a nice compliment from her today, one that put a smile on my face. She said "this is what I love about your house mom, we always get healthy food".... sometimes in life, there are signs along the road that tell you that you are headed in the right direction. Thanks Kristen <3

For those who are interested in getting compliments for the best Guac around, here is my (not so) secret recipe: Groovy Guacamole. It is nice to hear your kids fighting sometimes "hey, pass me some, you have had more than enough... hey, come back here!"
PS - my 30 days will start tomorrow, November 10th... :o)

Dangle that carrot!

I will admit, sticking to a raw food diet is not always easy...

It has many difficulties... the biggest I find is the end of the day "dinner" meal, when I am cooking for my family, and a big green smoothie isn't going to cut it for them. I am thankful (in a strange sort of way) for the Listeria outbreak this year in Ontario. I send my condolences to all of those people who lost loved ones in this ordeal, and I am truly thankful that this incident did not touch me personally; however it did make my children "vegetarians"... although, I keep telling them that "vegetarian" means that you eat vegetables, not that you just don't eat meat :o)

The Raw Food Diet is an uphill battle, but one that I have personally seen the rewards of getting to that summit and staying there... not always easy, but definitely worth the fight.

Sometimes it is necessary to dangle a carrot in front of this rabbits nose, so I have made a deal with myself.... ready, don't tell anyone, it is a secret, although it would be nice if you send some encouraging words my way....

FOR THE NEXT 30 DAYS, I WILL REMAIN 100% RAW... IF I CAN ACCOMPLISH THIS TASK, I WILL BUY THAT CARROT (DEHYDRATOR) THAT I HAVE HAD MY EYE ON FOR AWHILE NOW! (**lets hope the sale lasts for the next 30 days).

Now, with any goal, it is always easier if you tell someone, then you are accountable, and I know I have my internet friends here to support me, and provide me with lots of company, reading, and great recipes in the next 30 days!!!

I also think it is important to have small goals... so, if I can resist the chocolate cookies in the kitchen at work for the next couple of days, I'm going to order some peppermint truffles from Alissa Cohen, they are my favourite, and will be a well deserved treat!

I am also going to be re-reading Rawdorable and picking a few favourite recipes to satisfy my sweet tooth over the weekend!!!

I'll keep you posted... lets get on with "day one"....