Strawberry Pineapple Smoothie

Today's morning smoothie was:

about a cup of strawberries

half a can of pineapple (4 small rings)

two bananas

about 3-4 handfulls of spinach

a cup of filtered water

And it was DELICOUS, just like all the smoothies I make these days.

and tonight, I believe I'm going to have some sort of blueberry/pear or blueberry/apple smoothie.

:)

Enjoy!

Oh, and thanks to eating highly raw again, my midwife commented on how I "made it through the holidays" without gaining too much weight. Hoorah! I'm only 6 weeks away from my due date and 4 weeks away from being considered full term. The baby will be here in no time!

And, just because I want to share, here's what we're doing to her bedroom (with a brighter, more blue-toned base color):

My FIRST Green Juice

Hey everyone! How are you all?

Today while grabbing some groceries, I had my first green juice from the juice bar at our local co-op. I was really excited to try it. The mixture I picked was called "GREEN ENERGY" and was made up of cucumbers, spinach, celery, and parsley.

The lady who made it gave it to me in a little 12oz container and I drank it right up. 

I was a little taken aback by how strong the celery juice tasted. I had no idea celery could have such a distinct flavor. I could barely taste anything else! But alas, the juice was yummy once I got past such a surprise. It was very, very refreshing. Next time, I'm going to try one with beets, carrots, and ginger. 

... I want a juicer!

Check out this article for an awesome breakdown of the benefits of juicing your veggies. Fight various cancers! Increase oxygen flow in your body! Be filled with enzymes! Absorb the most nutrients! etc. etc. etc. The assumed benefits are endless. And the taste combinations endless, also. 

...I want a juicer!

Now, you CAN juice also without a juicer, just as I can. Get a straining cloth or nut milk cloth (I found one today at my local hardware store), blend up some fruits/veggies and strain. Its that simple, apparently. I'm going to try it soon and I'll let you know how it goes! :)

Here's another picture of fresh, raw juice:

Looks so good.

Ok, that's all. I was just excited to have my first raw, green juice and thought I would share!

Be on the lookout for a post about some raw chocolate/almond fudge I just made, too!

....

(nut milk bag making raw juice)

Chocolate Raspberry Smoothie--by Choosing Raw

So while I was waiting for Andrew to get up on Christmas morning so we could open our presents, as you may remember, I was planning our morning smoothie and attempting to find ways to waste time. Well, as any good "foodie" (though I'm more of just an "eatie"...I just love eating) would do, I spent that time looking at other raw blogs and checking out some interesting holiday posts.

And then .. I found this :

Gena of Choosing Raw created this masterpiece. The Chocolate Raspberry Smoothie. Taken straight from the website, here is the recipe:

Chocolate Raspberry Smoothie (serves 1)

1 tbsp carob
1 frozen banana
1 cup frozen or regular raspberries
1 cup almond milk
1 tbsp coconut butter

Blend all ingredients in a blender till smooth and even. Enjoy!

SO I MADE IT!!!!!! 

I used frozen raspberries and a non-frozen banana. I doubled the recipe, of course, to share with Andrew. We also didn't have coconut butter so I just used coconut oil and it turned out delicious, but a bit more red in color than the picture Gena provided. By the way, the picture I'm about to show you has "Puppy Chow"/"Snowman Poop"/"Muddy Buddy" ingredients in the background. Totally not raw, vegan, vegetarian, etc..but who doesn't like that stuff?? Seriously.

It had a really nice chocolate taste but with the amazing flavor of the raspberries...and a hint of tropical sweetness in the background from the coconut.  Ok, guys, 5 raws for this. RAW RAW RAW RAW RAW!!! :O YUM!

Andrew was really glad we had it, also, because it really was tasty! In fact, he found some more in the freezer today and pulled it out to finish it off.

...And the smoothie is full of manganese and Vitamin C from the raspberries plus a ton of antioxidants. YUM! It made for a great Christmas morning breakfast before stuffing ourselves full of non-raw, traditional Christmas food.

Anyway, Check out Choosing Raw and Gena's blog...definitely worth it!

YUM YUM YUM YUMMY YUMMY YUM!

Merry Christmas!

Its early... Santa has visited the house but not all the household members are awake...so no opening just yet! I had a morning banana and will sit here and stare at the gifts until Andrew comes downstairs.... or find something to read/listen to...but staring at presents sounds like the most appropriate Christmas morning thing to do.

We are having green smoothies for breakfast (pineapple/banana/kale) because last night I had a small, yet traditional Christmas dinner with a couple friends (ham, broccoli casserole, stuffing, mashed potatoes, brownies). I had indigestion and a tummy ache ALL NIGHT. I know.. I know.. who's fault is that, right?!

ANYWAY, I'm going to attempt to take it easy today.... At least I'm going to try!

OH, and yesterday I had my first fresh pomegranate. WHAT A YUMMY FRUIT! Get ready for some experiments with more pomegranates! :)

Merry Christmas, everyone! 

Matthew 1:23

Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God With Us. (KJV)

Ohhhh Yeah! Finally got it...

Well, folks, I gave in.** I bought canned pineapple and now am enjoying one of the most DEEELICIOUS smoothies ever. My favorite, pineapple and banana smoothie.

Today, though, I added a twist and used:

A few pieces of baby kale leaves (no stems)
a couple handfulls of Spinach
a handful of mixed baby greens
half a can of pineapple + half the can's juice
2-3 cups of frozen bananas
1 cup orange/mango juice

So, this isn't the freshest or the most raw green smoothie I could make, but it tastes amazing and definitely has a fresh, green boost to it! The greens were the freshest part of the smoothie, followed by frozen bananas (I froze these myself), canned pineapple, then the orange/mango juice. I love orange/mango juice so you better watch out-- if I ever get myself a juicer or strainer its on!

By the way, I thought it important to make mention that when I make these smoothies, I am making them for me AND Andrew, so if you want just a tiny smoothie, make half of what I make. Seriously, though, if you haven't ventured into the world of green smoothies, do it NOW. I was afraid to mix vegetables into my fruit smoothies but now I'm obsessed. I love it and I love experimenting! My first couple smoothies weren't the best, but I'm getting pretty good at knowing what is going to taste good with what. I think the key to a great smoothie is the frozen bananas, in most cases. It makes the smoothie frothy and very cold, which I love! Even in the winter!

Anyway, I just wanted to get online and tell the world how pleased I am with my smoothie this morning...so thank you for humoring me. And MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!


** I don't think there is anything wrong with buying canned fruit or frozen fruit, I just prefer the taste of fresh! And, I think there are probably more nutrients and living enzymes in food that has just been harvested! :)

A December Morning Smoothie

Good day!

So, I woke up ready for a green smoothie for the first time in AGES...well, since I got pregnant. I have been CRAVING it. I went downstairs at 6a.m. and started putting stuff in my blender. I really miss the pineapple/banana smoothie (my FAVORITE), but organic, fresh (and canned!) pineapple is out of this world expensive right now.

Instead, I used:

Spinach
Romaine
2 Clementines
2 cups Frozen Bananas
1 Banana
A few Frozen Strawberries
Water + OJ


I didn't put exact measurements of everything because, as with any green smoothie, its all about personal preference. I read a blog today that said always to use 60% fruits and 40% veggies, especially to start. I think I used about half of each in this smoothie. 

I'm not a huge fan of using frozen fruit but I can't afford anything else right now! Since everything is out of season, or so it seems, I am stuck buying frozen stuff. Can someone tell me any in-season Indiana produce?? There are still some amazing apples coming in to the co-op, but otherwise I have a feeling that everything is going to be pretty skimpy from here on out until spring. I'll have to travel to the large co-op across town, where they have a wider selection of fruits/veggies and a bigger frozen section, to supplement what I can't get at the Farmer's Market.

Oh, and this smoothie is FULL of protein, iron, vitamins, minerals, and is FAT FREE, great for gallbladder disease, gallstones, or gallbladder sludge! It's also good for other digestive disorders such as pancreatitis.

The Spinach, among other things, is mildly anti-inflamatory while the clementines each provide about 60% of your daily intake of vitamin C and is a great source of Potassium. The entire smoothie is full of fiber so it can help with weight-loss, digestion. A smoothie like this fights cholesterol and lowers/stabilizes blood pressure. And don't forget, green smoothies are great for hydration since raw fruits and veggies contain a lot of water!

Beating the Winter Freeze

Hello!

Long time no post, I know. And I've been saying that for the one or two times I've actually posted during this pregnancy.

Well, I'm cold. Its winter in Indiana and the past few days the windchill has been in the negatives (*F). It has been almost a year since our raw journey began, obviously with a break here and there. I remember last winter when I began attempting a raw diet that the most trying thing about raw food was being cold in the winter and trying to suck down a smoothie made with frozen bananas or eating soup that's been barely warmed in the food processor.

So, my plan is this: find raw foods that warm my body! I heard ginger does this, or cayenne, or some other spices. Do you all have any ideas for raw food that has a warming effect?

Oh, and on a side note, I was diagnosed with gallbladder problems (not sure if it is just sludge or actual stones) and put on a very strict, no-fat diet. Since then, we have been eating a lot more salads, raw fruits and veggies, and I've been considering adding smoothies back into our morning routine. I just really miss everything being in season, cheap, and locally produced! Pineapple is extremely expensive, strawberries are 6.99/pkg, etc. The co-op was even out of bananas yesterday. I bought frozen fruit, but it really doesn't hold a candle to fresh, local produce. Wah!


Anyway, let me know if you have ideas for me!

I'm baaaack!

Yes, you guessed it!

The reason I have been MIA has been because I AM HAVING A BABY!!!! A sweet, little, tiny, adorable, kickboxing baby GIRL!

Isn't she precious!?

So, are you questioning why being pregnant has kept me from blogging? Well, let me tell you something. One of the first "symptoms" of pregnancy occurred on my way to work one day. As I was sipping my delectable, incredible, amazing pineapple/banana green smoothie, I began to feel a little nauseated. To put it lightly, it took a lot for me to keep that smoothie down that morning. As the week progressed, my nausea transformed into an all-out aversion to all raw vegetables. I couldn't even look at them without vomiting. Or almost vomiting. My first morning sickness that ended in the bathroom occurred because my husband took a bite of a slice of green pepper as he was preparing his beautiful lunch salad. 

Weird, huh? I could eat fruit (and I did), but I also have craved hot fudge sundaes, pizza, and some other non-raw foods. I was so sick of raw veggies and foods that during the first trimester, I even stopped reading raw food blogs that I love. Well, folks, I am not COMPLETELY over these aversions now that I am well into my second trimester. HOWEVER, I am trying to eat more salads/fruits/nuts/etc. so that my baby gets plenty of good food and plenty of good nutrition.

So I have no food to update you about right now (as my husband is on a brownie run), but I am going to update you more and more as I begin to add raw foods back in to my diet.

See you soon!

Out of Darkness Suicide Prevention Walk

Hey everyone. Long time no see!

Well, let me tell you what's been up. At least half of the information. Unfortunately, something has happened that has caused me to stop eating raw food temporarily! Yes, something. I can't tell you what until my husband has made one last phone call! Until then, you will have to wait!

Anyway, so I created a team and am walking in the Out of Darkness Suicide Prevention Walk, which is sponsored by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. I lost a good friend to suicide in 2008 and am excited to take this opportunity to use my time and resources to help fight suicide and to raise awareness about it + give support to those affected by suicide and depression.

Check out my personal page and consider donating some prayer or finances to our team!

Thanks!

My Individual Page

Not-All Raw Tomato Wrap

Well hello there.

I wanted to share with you this yummy yummy lunch that Andrew and I enjoyed recently. The wrap on my wrap is not raw, but bought from a package of pre-made wraps at the store (and yeah, they were really REALLY tastey). Inside is some red pepper hummus that we bought, also, rather than making raw. I've made some raw hummuses before but honestly, I really prefer the taste of bought hummus!

I couldn't get a great picture of our plates, but you can see what we had.

HUGE wraps made with the bought tomato wrap, red-pepper hummus, red, green, orange peppers, cucumber, spinach, romaine garden lettuce, red onion. 

On the side, we had carrot sticks and fresh fruit.

MMMMM I loooooooove this. Its making me hungry!

So, it might not be all raw, but it definitely has plenty of raw elements. Mostly raw. You do NOT have to be 100% raw to make healthy (and extremely tasty) choices. My favorite part about raw food is that the point is just to add more and more raw into your diet, rather than taking and taking food you love. I love tomato wraps and hummus, so I incorporated those two things into my raw diet and came up with a mostly-raw lunch that knocks my socks off. 

And that keeps me happy.

*Happy Dance!*

And by the way, if you haven't guessed, ALL the food we purchase for our home is organic or naturally produced from local farmers (who don't use pesticides/herbicides but don't bother with organic labeling). That doesn't make us better than conventional eaters (just as eating raw does not make us superior to people who cook. In fact, I love this blog ), it is just something I feel strongly about (see yesterday's post hah).

Why is Organic Food so Expensive!?

Yeah, why IS organic food so much more expensive than conventional?

Well, Adriana Velez tells us in this helpful post about farming and why the cost is so high in the supermarket.

So, with that being said, yes, eating organic can be expensive. Andrew and I have seen an increase in our food budget. Luckily, Andrew finds it just as important as I do to put more in the food budget and less in other, less important areas in order to feed ourselves the best foods...why? because our bodies are worth it and we have the means. Like I said, we sacrifice in some areas for this but we do it with 100% belief that supporting smaller, organic, clean, local farms is what we should be doing with our money.

Personally, my favorite organic foods are fruits. The taste, colors, and individual uniqueness of every God-given fruit is, well, invigorating! I love how organic fruit tastes compared to conventional. It really is my favorite thing ever. I love grapes, kiwis, eco-friendly organic pineapple, and Andrew and I have had a few cantaloupes this season that have been out of this world!

Finally, now that I've given you my opinions that probably mean little to you, check out this cool video I found about organic foods:

Blueberry Honey Granola

Hello all you raw-fooders and non-raw-food people who are coming to my blog!

Today I am going to tell you about one of the most life-saving, easiest raw-food recipes I've ever made. Its just granola, but its made with all raw ingredients and dehydrated (thus keeping it raw and not destroying the essential enzymes and good stuffs in the nuts and seeds). By the way, this is probably my husband's all-time favorite thing in the world. He loves it. And it makes the house smell good while its dehydrating.

So, what does it look like?

This:

Blueberries drying with other stuff. :)

So, what I do first is put a layer (about 1/4 of an inch) of honey in my dehydrator. I add a couple drops of vanilla extract and, if I am feeling like it, maybe a squirt or two of agave. Then, I add a random amount of raw (soaked, dried) almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and then a ton of raw oats. You can add whatever nuts and seeds you'd like, but this has become my favorite mixture. 

Process until the honey is all over everything, then spread out on dehydrator trays. I added some fresh blueberries on top because Andrew bought a HUGE bucket at the farmer's market. I dehydrate on 105 degrees until the granola nice and crispy. This time I added a little too much honey so it took about two days to dehydrate! My goodness! But it was SO good.

I would recommend this with almond milk for breakfast or as a quick treat to keep you full between your early green smoothie and your later lunch! 

Enjoy!