I.
GOT.
MY.
JUICER.
Wooooooooo! (Yes, I'm a woo girl.) My precious baby is a Super Angel Juicer. There are many advantages of the SAJ. The two main ones that inspired me to save my pennies were the easy cleanup of the twin stainless steel gears and the enzyme-protecting low rpm's. This juicer costs 800-900ish dollars: it is not inexpensive, but my health is worth it.
Luckily, I have been saving since first being introduced to the idea of juicing. Also, I've been watching Ebay and Craig's Lists for a deal. Most of the 'deals' I saw were around 100 dollars off a used juicer; well, that is cheaper, but I would just buy a new one with the warranty rather than save an extra 100 dollars.
Then, it happend! (Cue the angelic choir.)
On We Like It Raw, I noticed an advertisement for an Angel Juicer. It was being sold for $520. Best of all, the young lady selling the juicer lived in NYC! I immediately emailed her, and she graciously returned my email. I decided to pick up the juicer to cut down on shipping costs and also sneak in a visit to a new raw food restaurant in Brooklyn, Rockin' Raw.
We had to change our original pick up date, but it ended up being perfect. We were able to find a sitter for Ester and head out to Brooklyn the day before my birthday. Since that beautiful day, we have been JUICY.
I started out with simple juices. Mmm, honeydew melon.
I started getting fancy. Mmm, watermelon and ginger.
I started getting fancier still! Celery, cucumber, and watermelon. OMG GOOD.
Today, my husband and I are enjoying celery-cucumber-honeydew-carrot. I cannot get Jeremy to drink a green smoothie for the life of me, but he loveloveloves fresh juice. This week, I am going to purchase more greens and start experimenting with green juice. I plan to start my juice feastfast on July 1.
It will last 10 days. Because, yanno, I have ten fingers and ten toes. (Thanks, Anthony!)
I'll be sure to take lots of pictures!
<3
Showing posts with label raw food. Show all posts
Showing posts with label raw food. Show all posts
Friday, June 26, 2009
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
The Year in Review
As I've been preparing for my juice feast, I find myself reflecting on the things I do differently since going raw. I went raw vegan on Memorial Day 2008. It took me a long time to feel comfortable applying the word 'vegan' to my lifestyle because, in many ways, I was the exact opposite of what I imagined a vegan would be. I am fairly conservative, I have no issues with my husband's desire to hunt, I did not recycle, and generally vote for Republicans. I felt like I was lying to myself using 'vegan' to describe my lifestyle. I felt that some of the things done by the vegan community were 'weird' and resolved never to become that 'hippie'.
Mostly, the lifestyle scared me. If you've even dabbled as a 'raw vegan', you'll know that it's more than just eating foods in their raw, natural state. The idea of purity begins to encompass more than just the food you put into your body. You begin to realize that everything and everyone is connected, and the energy you put out will be the energy that comes in. Suddenly, the casual choices you made yesterday hold a significant weight. It can be pretty overwhelming. I almost quit before I began simply because I could not fathom all the changes I thought necessary to truly be a raw vegan.
Thankfully, I pushed past that anxiety and forged ahead. I wanted to share with you who I am today. It may change tomorrow, it may change in ten years, but I'm not so concerned about that. I love who I am in the moment because that's all I'm supposed to be.
Carrying on! Here are some things that I've learned, some things that I've changed, and some things that are the same since MD '08:
Politics
I am still fairly conservative, but mostly in regards to the government's role in our lives. I am loathe to allow them a say in everything from the way I garden to who I choose to marry. The marriage issue is probably the most polarizing issue for me with a 'typical' conservative. I support gay marriage because, frankly, it's fair. If you do not want to grant the right to marry to all citizens, then take away the incentives of marriage.
I feel that the states should have more rights, and choosing my local representative should bear more weight than the President. I believe we should be responsible for ourselves, from health care to education choices. We would never need a nationalized health care system if people incorporated more raw foods and naturopathic remedies. I believe that our sense of responsibility should extend to the community, and that it does not need to be a federal mandate to help our neighbors.
The "Weird" Things I Do
Oil Pulling - I do this every morning. I'll likely do an article on it later, but let me go over the personal benefits I've found. Last summer, I had my wisdom teeth removed. After the surgery, my teeth were painfully sensitive and I had a dull pain in my lower lip from nerve damage. These symptoms have never gone away. I started oil pulling, which is basically swishing sesame oil in your mouth for 20 minutes and rinsing twice with hydrogen peroxide. I no longer have sensitivity or the dull pain in my lip.
Essential Oils - I use essential oils daily. I put lemon in my water, lavender in my baths, and peppermint on my tongue. Peppermint oil is my salvation from migraines! I also exclusively clean my household with essential oils.
Recycling - I actually recycle now! It is my responsibility to be a good steward of the land I live upon, and recycling is extremely important.
Composting - I built my very own compost pile outside with chicken wire, cardboard, and an old carpet. I am cutting down on my municipal waste as well as creating a rich, beautiful source of nutrients for my garden next year.
Gardening - I expanded my garden this year. I hope to save quite a bit of money this year, as well as broaden my knowledge to one day be able to grow most of my family's food. This year, I planted cucumbers, yellow summer squash, zucchini, 4 types of tomatoes, peppers, strawberries, and heirloom SEEDED watermelon. I started some of these seeds myself, sprouting them in ocean water dilute.
Meditation - This is key for me. I usually meditate in the bathtub.
Sunshine - I never understood how important sunshine is, and how heavily it affects my mood. I sunbathe for at least 20 minutes a day, and do not use soap on my body (except in my armpits and nethers) while showering to preserve the Vitamin D on my skin.
No more deodorant! - I use a salt stone instead.
I have several HUGE FUN OMG WOOHOO things on the horizon for me, like my juice feast. I love that this lifestyle continuously encourages me to challenge my perspective. I can't wait to share with you next year!
<3,
Sarah
Mostly, the lifestyle scared me. If you've even dabbled as a 'raw vegan', you'll know that it's more than just eating foods in their raw, natural state. The idea of purity begins to encompass more than just the food you put into your body. You begin to realize that everything and everyone is connected, and the energy you put out will be the energy that comes in. Suddenly, the casual choices you made yesterday hold a significant weight. It can be pretty overwhelming. I almost quit before I began simply because I could not fathom all the changes I thought necessary to truly be a raw vegan.
Thankfully, I pushed past that anxiety and forged ahead. I wanted to share with you who I am today. It may change tomorrow, it may change in ten years, but I'm not so concerned about that. I love who I am in the moment because that's all I'm supposed to be.
Carrying on! Here are some things that I've learned, some things that I've changed, and some things that are the same since MD '08:
Politics
I am still fairly conservative, but mostly in regards to the government's role in our lives. I am loathe to allow them a say in everything from the way I garden to who I choose to marry. The marriage issue is probably the most polarizing issue for me with a 'typical' conservative. I support gay marriage because, frankly, it's fair. If you do not want to grant the right to marry to all citizens, then take away the incentives of marriage.
I feel that the states should have more rights, and choosing my local representative should bear more weight than the President. I believe we should be responsible for ourselves, from health care to education choices. We would never need a nationalized health care system if people incorporated more raw foods and naturopathic remedies. I believe that our sense of responsibility should extend to the community, and that it does not need to be a federal mandate to help our neighbors.
The "Weird" Things I Do
Oil Pulling - I do this every morning. I'll likely do an article on it later, but let me go over the personal benefits I've found. Last summer, I had my wisdom teeth removed. After the surgery, my teeth were painfully sensitive and I had a dull pain in my lower lip from nerve damage. These symptoms have never gone away. I started oil pulling, which is basically swishing sesame oil in your mouth for 20 minutes and rinsing twice with hydrogen peroxide. I no longer have sensitivity or the dull pain in my lip.
Essential Oils - I use essential oils daily. I put lemon in my water, lavender in my baths, and peppermint on my tongue. Peppermint oil is my salvation from migraines! I also exclusively clean my household with essential oils.
Recycling - I actually recycle now! It is my responsibility to be a good steward of the land I live upon, and recycling is extremely important.
Composting - I built my very own compost pile outside with chicken wire, cardboard, and an old carpet. I am cutting down on my municipal waste as well as creating a rich, beautiful source of nutrients for my garden next year.
Gardening - I expanded my garden this year. I hope to save quite a bit of money this year, as well as broaden my knowledge to one day be able to grow most of my family's food. This year, I planted cucumbers, yellow summer squash, zucchini, 4 types of tomatoes, peppers, strawberries, and heirloom SEEDED watermelon. I started some of these seeds myself, sprouting them in ocean water dilute.
Meditation - This is key for me. I usually meditate in the bathtub.
Sunshine - I never understood how important sunshine is, and how heavily it affects my mood. I sunbathe for at least 20 minutes a day, and do not use soap on my body (except in my armpits and nethers) while showering to preserve the Vitamin D on my skin.
No more deodorant! - I use a salt stone instead.
I have several HUGE FUN OMG WOOHOO things on the horizon for me, like my juice feast. I love that this lifestyle continuously encourages me to challenge my perspective. I can't wait to share with you next year!
<3,
Sarah
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Sarah's Shorts - The China Study, Chapter Two
Thank you, sweet little monkey, for the inspiration to the title Sarah's Shorts. While it could be mistaken as pervertish, I think it adequately explains my version of Cliff's Notes.
Chapter Two touches the importance of protein in our society and the beginning of T. Colin Campbell's journey into his studies concerning how animal protein affects our bodies. He also explains the meanings of some common scientific terms, for which I, the science n00b, am eternally grateful.
Chapter Two
Protein, at its root, literally means 'of prime importance.' Since discovered in 1839, protein has taken nutritional science's center stage. The families that had the most money at the most meat, effectively eating the most protein. According to the public perception, protein equaled meat which equaled wealth. As I was writing this, I pondered to myself, "Self. I wonder where the phrase 'bringing home the bacon' started? Could it have something to do with this bias, Self?"
Well..
European peasants c. 1500's could only sometimes obtain or afford pork, which made them feel quite special. When visitors came over, they would hang up their bacon to show off. It was a sign of wealth that a man 'could bring home the bacon.' They would cut off a little to share with guests and would all sit around and "chew the fat.”
Ha!
Voit, one of the first scientists to study protein, found that man only needed approximately 45g a day to live healthily, but recommended 118 grams a day. After all, isn't bigger better? You can't have too much of a good thing, right? (Wrong.) Rubner, on of Voit's students, stated, "a large protein allowance is the right of civilized man." This assertion continues, evidenced as I was asked if my husband still felt like a man after taking me to an all raw meal for our anniversary.
Another of Voit's students, Atwater, became the first director of the USDA and made an official recommendation of 125g of protein per day for a healthy American individual. And, of course, that protein simply had to come from meat. Yikes!
The Nitty Gritties of Protein
Fats, carbohydrates, and protein are macronutrients, meaning the make up most of the weight of the food we ate. Vitamins and nutrients are micronutrients, though are no less important despite their humble offering to the final heft of our food. Protein is extremely vital to the body; it functions as enzymes, hormones, structural tissues, and transport molecules. Proteins are made up of 15-20 amino acids, but eight of them are considered essential to make tissue proteins. If one of the essential amino acids is missing, protein synthesis is slowed or stopped until it becomes available to the body through digestion.
Protein quality is thought to mean that, upon digestion, the substance has the right kinds and amounts of amino acids needed to efficiently synthesize tissue proteins. Guess what is considered the highest 'quality' of protein replacement? Human flesh.
Uh, pass.
Animal proteins, therefore, are considered next highest in quality. Plant foods are considered 'low' quality because they may be lacking in one or more essential amino acids. However, as a group, they do contain everything our bodies need for protein synthesis.
In a perfect world, the highest quality of replacement protein would promote the best quality of health, but it does not. This misleading language confuses Americans. It is a common misconception that plants do not contain protein or one most create carefully matched meals to take in the appropriate amino acids. Not so, my loves. Not so. Plant food does indeed contain protein and the body allows for a slow and steady synthesis for our protein needs.
The Protein Gap
Studies upon studies, meetings upon meetings, and councils upon councils have discussed what-oh-what we should do about the protein gap. These well-meaning individuals have set out to combat hunger and malnutrition. A great majority of these individuals have focused on animal protein, however. The UN declared, "..by and large, the lack of protein is without question the most serious qualitative deficiency in the nutrition of developing countries. The great mass of the population of these countries subsists mainly on food derived from plants deficient in protein, which results in poor health and low productivity per man."
Yes, plants do not contain all the replacement amino acids needed to be strong and healthy. However, it is important to point out that in these countries, variety of plant food suffers. Instead of looking at ways to increase plant variety, many of our top scientists and schools worked diligently to provide the suffering masses with animal protein.
After obtain his graduate degree, this is where T. Colin Campbell began his work. Employed by Virginia Tech and with the help of many colleagues, he set out to the Phillipines to empower the mothers of malnourished children by forming 'mothercrafts,' self-help nutritional educational centers. It was agreed that the most appropriate form of protein would be found in peanuts, but that presented a bigger problem: peanuts are often contaminated with a fungus-produced toxin called aflatoxin. Aflatoxin is shown to promote liver cancer, and it known as the most potent chemical carcinogen ever discovered.
They set out on a two fold mission:
This whole time, it was assumed that the high cancer rate was due to the low intake of animal protein, but the children that consumed the most animal protein had the highest cancer rates!
Around the same time as Campbell made this startling discovery, an Indian research team published equally startling results. Two groups of rats were given equal levels of aflatoxin; one group was given a diet consisting of 5% animal protein, the other a diet consisting of 20% animal protein. In 30 days, the group eating the highest level of animal protein had liver cancer or its precursor lesions. The group eating the smallest amount of animal protein had no liver cancer and no precursor lesions.
The wheels in T. Colin Campbell's head began to turn.
Chapter Two touches the importance of protein in our society and the beginning of T. Colin Campbell's journey into his studies concerning how animal protein affects our bodies. He also explains the meanings of some common scientific terms, for which I, the science n00b, am eternally grateful.
Chapter Two
Protein, at its root, literally means 'of prime importance.' Since discovered in 1839, protein has taken nutritional science's center stage. The families that had the most money at the most meat, effectively eating the most protein. According to the public perception, protein equaled meat which equaled wealth. As I was writing this, I pondered to myself, "Self. I wonder where the phrase 'bringing home the bacon' started? Could it have something to do with this bias, Self?"
Well..
European peasants c. 1500's could only sometimes obtain or afford pork, which made them feel quite special. When visitors came over, they would hang up their bacon to show off. It was a sign of wealth that a man 'could bring home the bacon.' They would cut off a little to share with guests and would all sit around and "chew the fat.”
Ha!
Voit, one of the first scientists to study protein, found that man only needed approximately 45g a day to live healthily, but recommended 118 grams a day. After all, isn't bigger better? You can't have too much of a good thing, right? (Wrong.) Rubner, on of Voit's students, stated, "a large protein allowance is the right of civilized man." This assertion continues, evidenced as I was asked if my husband still felt like a man after taking me to an all raw meal for our anniversary.
Another of Voit's students, Atwater, became the first director of the USDA and made an official recommendation of 125g of protein per day for a healthy American individual. And, of course, that protein simply had to come from meat. Yikes!
The Nitty Gritties of Protein
Fats, carbohydrates, and protein are macronutrients, meaning the make up most of the weight of the food we ate. Vitamins and nutrients are micronutrients, though are no less important despite their humble offering to the final heft of our food. Protein is extremely vital to the body; it functions as enzymes, hormones, structural tissues, and transport molecules. Proteins are made up of 15-20 amino acids, but eight of them are considered essential to make tissue proteins. If one of the essential amino acids is missing, protein synthesis is slowed or stopped until it becomes available to the body through digestion.
Protein quality is thought to mean that, upon digestion, the substance has the right kinds and amounts of amino acids needed to efficiently synthesize tissue proteins. Guess what is considered the highest 'quality' of protein replacement? Human flesh.
Uh, pass.
Animal proteins, therefore, are considered next highest in quality. Plant foods are considered 'low' quality because they may be lacking in one or more essential amino acids. However, as a group, they do contain everything our bodies need for protein synthesis.
In a perfect world, the highest quality of replacement protein would promote the best quality of health, but it does not. This misleading language confuses Americans. It is a common misconception that plants do not contain protein or one most create carefully matched meals to take in the appropriate amino acids. Not so, my loves. Not so. Plant food does indeed contain protein and the body allows for a slow and steady synthesis for our protein needs.
The Protein Gap
Studies upon studies, meetings upon meetings, and councils upon councils have discussed what-oh-what we should do about the protein gap. These well-meaning individuals have set out to combat hunger and malnutrition. A great majority of these individuals have focused on animal protein, however. The UN declared, "..by and large, the lack of protein is without question the most serious qualitative deficiency in the nutrition of developing countries. The great mass of the population of these countries subsists mainly on food derived from plants deficient in protein, which results in poor health and low productivity per man."
Yes, plants do not contain all the replacement amino acids needed to be strong and healthy. However, it is important to point out that in these countries, variety of plant food suffers. Instead of looking at ways to increase plant variety, many of our top scientists and schools worked diligently to provide the suffering masses with animal protein.
After obtain his graduate degree, this is where T. Colin Campbell began his work. Employed by Virginia Tech and with the help of many colleagues, he set out to the Phillipines to empower the mothers of malnourished children by forming 'mothercrafts,' self-help nutritional educational centers. It was agreed that the most appropriate form of protein would be found in peanuts, but that presented a bigger problem: peanuts are often contaminated with a fungus-produced toxin called aflatoxin. Aflatoxin is shown to promote liver cancer, and it known as the most potent chemical carcinogen ever discovered.
They set out on a two fold mission:
- To find out who was consuming aflatoxin
- How does aflatoxin affect the liver
This whole time, it was assumed that the high cancer rate was due to the low intake of animal protein, but the children that consumed the most animal protein had the highest cancer rates!
Around the same time as Campbell made this startling discovery, an Indian research team published equally startling results. Two groups of rats were given equal levels of aflatoxin; one group was given a diet consisting of 5% animal protein, the other a diet consisting of 20% animal protein. In 30 days, the group eating the highest level of animal protein had liver cancer or its precursor lesions. The group eating the smallest amount of animal protein had no liver cancer and no precursor lesions.
The wheels in T. Colin Campbell's head began to turn.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
The China Study, Chapter One
One of the most important books of all time is T. Colin Campbell's The China Study. If you have read the book, you already know why I make this bold statement. If you have yet to read the book, I cannot begin to beg and plead enough with you to immediately rush to your library, online or f'real bookstore, or enlightened friend and obtain this book.
I read this book approximately a month ago, and my life has never been the same. When I would have urges to 'cheat' on raw, I would always go to cheese with the misinformed thought that 'it can't be that bad.' Uh, false. This book explains clearly and specifically the dangers of animal protein and, best of all, the author backs it with his decades and decades of his own scientific research. T. Colin Campbell has little to gain, aside from the revenue from his book. The China Study is not filled with product placement or nudges to attend some expensive retreat. It is just information; pure, simple, stark, and frighteningly beautiful information.
For those who are still hesitant and clinging to their blocks of Romano, I have decided to write a Cliff's Notes version of each chapter. If what you read and in the posts to come naggle at some far corner of your brain, please do not deny your urge and purchase the book. Also, as the book was published in 1998, I have done a bit of research on my own to update the statistics to our current day. My notes will very much be in Sarah-speak, which pales against Campbell's succinct manner of presentation. Forgive me! (Or don't. I promise I won't cry.)((Too much.))
Chapter One
Heart Disease, cancer, diabetes, stroke, hypertension, arthritis, Alzheimer's Disease, impotence (do I need to go on) can be largely PREVENTED and even REVERSED!! HOLY COW!
How? Lean close to your computer screen and I will tell you.
Psst.
Eat right and live a healthy lifestyle.
What?
No, seriously, that's it. The foods we eat largely determine our health. And, the sad fact is, we're not healthy. Despite spending twice more on health care than any other country, we are ranked 37th in the world for our health. It has been predicted that our health care costs will kick our face at the cost of 16 trillion dollars, and that 84% percent of our population will be overweight or obese.
In 1998, 12 million people had diabetes. Today, 24 million people have diabetes and 57 million people are prediabetic. 1 in 4 deaths in 2008 will be attributed to cancer. If you go to the American Cancer Society's web page, they make a small reference to cancer being linked to high amounts of ingested red meat, low intake of fruits and vegetables, and obesity. They never address animal protein as a whole and certainly do not tell you that animal protein is a promoter of cancer. Last year alone, 7000 Americans died from physician error, medication error, and adverse events. This touched my own family - my cousin's healthy father-in-law died after taking his PRESCRIBED medications. This is madness, truly. We do not have to suffer insulin injections, chemotherapy, and the crushing cost of medical care. Our families do not have to watch us deteriorate into bloated husks. What can we do to reverse this devastating prognosis?
Eat a diet of fruits and vegetables, devoid of all animal protein. The end.
How can Campbell make this assertion? 74 grant-years of research. With his colleagues, Campbell lead studies such as an investigation of liver cancer in Phillipine children and their consumption of a mold toxin, aflatoxin, a nationwide program of self-help nutrition centers for malnourished preschool children in the Phillippines, a study of dietary factors affecting bone density and osteoporosis in 800 women in China, a study of biomarkers that characterize the emergence of breast cancer, and a nationwide, comprehensive study of dietary and lifestyle factors associated with disease mortality in mainland China and Taiwan, known as the China Study. In fact, the China Study is still active over 20 years later! Campbell has nothing to sell - he markets no superfoods, leads no special and expensive retreats. In fact, he has the opposite beginning as the son of a dairy farmer. He spent most of his graduate work improving the 'quality' of dairy. It was this research, combined with the above studies, that unfolded the stark and frightening information surrounding our beloved animal protein.
Why do we not know this? Why isn't this information being shouted from the rooftops? To be honest, I am not too interested in the whole black helicopter government-is-out-to-get you approach. Neither is Campbell, but he does make a few damning points from his experiences on government and private councils. It's enough for even a dismissive cynic like me to raise an eyebrow.
Another reason is that science is obsessed with oversimplifying our health - they try to pinpoint it to a single vitamin or nutrient and miss the point - plant-based foods in their whole forms give us an intricate symphony of vitamins and nutrients. One instrument is not enough to complete the whole song.
A final reason is that we are drowned with twits out to profit from our sheepish desperation for health. We can eat limitless bacon and cheese and be healthy? REALLY!? (No.) Some of the most influential weight loss programs are based on NO scientific fact and are developed by salesmen with NO nutrition training. Ticket for one on the failbus, plz.
The solution to our health is simple. It does not require pills, supplements, or surgeries. It only requires that we take responsibility for our own health and make informed decisions. Hippocrates once stated, "There are, in effect, two things: to know and to believe one knows. To know is science. To believe one knows is ignorance."
I read this book approximately a month ago, and my life has never been the same. When I would have urges to 'cheat' on raw, I would always go to cheese with the misinformed thought that 'it can't be that bad.' Uh, false. This book explains clearly and specifically the dangers of animal protein and, best of all, the author backs it with his decades and decades of his own scientific research. T. Colin Campbell has little to gain, aside from the revenue from his book. The China Study is not filled with product placement or nudges to attend some expensive retreat. It is just information; pure, simple, stark, and frighteningly beautiful information.
For those who are still hesitant and clinging to their blocks of Romano, I have decided to write a Cliff's Notes version of each chapter. If what you read and in the posts to come naggle at some far corner of your brain, please do not deny your urge and purchase the book. Also, as the book was published in 1998, I have done a bit of research on my own to update the statistics to our current day. My notes will very much be in Sarah-speak, which pales against Campbell's succinct manner of presentation. Forgive me! (Or don't. I promise I won't cry.)((Too much.))
Chapter One
Heart Disease, cancer, diabetes, stroke, hypertension, arthritis, Alzheimer's Disease, impotence (do I need to go on) can be largely PREVENTED and even REVERSED!! HOLY COW!
How? Lean close to your computer screen and I will tell you.
Psst.
Eat right and live a healthy lifestyle.
What?
No, seriously, that's it. The foods we eat largely determine our health. And, the sad fact is, we're not healthy. Despite spending twice more on health care than any other country, we are ranked 37th in the world for our health. It has been predicted that our health care costs will kick our face at the cost of 16 trillion dollars, and that 84% percent of our population will be overweight or obese.
In 1998, 12 million people had diabetes. Today, 24 million people have diabetes and 57 million people are prediabetic. 1 in 4 deaths in 2008 will be attributed to cancer. If you go to the American Cancer Society's web page, they make a small reference to cancer being linked to high amounts of ingested red meat, low intake of fruits and vegetables, and obesity. They never address animal protein as a whole and certainly do not tell you that animal protein is a promoter of cancer. Last year alone, 7000 Americans died from physician error, medication error, and adverse events. This touched my own family - my cousin's healthy father-in-law died after taking his PRESCRIBED medications. This is madness, truly. We do not have to suffer insulin injections, chemotherapy, and the crushing cost of medical care. Our families do not have to watch us deteriorate into bloated husks. What can we do to reverse this devastating prognosis?
Eat a diet of fruits and vegetables, devoid of all animal protein. The end.
How can Campbell make this assertion? 74 grant-years of research. With his colleagues, Campbell lead studies such as an investigation of liver cancer in Phillipine children and their consumption of a mold toxin, aflatoxin, a nationwide program of self-help nutrition centers for malnourished preschool children in the Phillippines, a study of dietary factors affecting bone density and osteoporosis in 800 women in China, a study of biomarkers that characterize the emergence of breast cancer, and a nationwide, comprehensive study of dietary and lifestyle factors associated with disease mortality in mainland China and Taiwan, known as the China Study. In fact, the China Study is still active over 20 years later! Campbell has nothing to sell - he markets no superfoods, leads no special and expensive retreats. In fact, he has the opposite beginning as the son of a dairy farmer. He spent most of his graduate work improving the 'quality' of dairy. It was this research, combined with the above studies, that unfolded the stark and frightening information surrounding our beloved animal protein.
Why do we not know this? Why isn't this information being shouted from the rooftops? To be honest, I am not too interested in the whole black helicopter government-is-out-to-get you approach. Neither is Campbell, but he does make a few damning points from his experiences on government and private councils. It's enough for even a dismissive cynic like me to raise an eyebrow.
Another reason is that science is obsessed with oversimplifying our health - they try to pinpoint it to a single vitamin or nutrient and miss the point - plant-based foods in their whole forms give us an intricate symphony of vitamins and nutrients. One instrument is not enough to complete the whole song.
A final reason is that we are drowned with twits out to profit from our sheepish desperation for health. We can eat limitless bacon and cheese and be healthy? REALLY!? (No.) Some of the most influential weight loss programs are based on NO scientific fact and are developed by salesmen with NO nutrition training. Ticket for one on the failbus, plz.
The solution to our health is simple. It does not require pills, supplements, or surgeries. It only requires that we take responsibility for our own health and make informed decisions. Hippocrates once stated, "There are, in effect, two things: to know and to believe one knows. To know is science. To believe one knows is ignorance."
Thursday, June 12, 2008
100 for 100: Day 18
Fruity day!
I totally neglected my greens today, but I will pay homage to the gods of spinach and chard tomorrow.
This morning, I weighed in at 253.5. That is .5 pounds down from yesterday. Go me!
For breakfast, I ate a mixture of cherries and strawberries. I needed to shop, so I was just picking off the ends of my fantastic fruits.
Strawberries - 260 grams, 83.2 calories, .8 grams fat, 1.7 grams protein
Cherries - 236 grams, 148.7 calories, .5 grams fat, 2.5 grams protein
After getting the wonder that is Ester McGester to school, I went shopping. I felt so empowered - I only shopped in the produce section! Well, I had to get Ester suntan lotion for school but that so doesn't count.
I came home, ate my pineapple lunch outside while reading my 80-10-10 book. I sat next to my big, big garden. What a really nice treat!
Pineapple - 680 grams, .8 grams fat, 3.7 grams protein
Afterwards, I had Aileen's PPT. Let me tell you, it is annoying as hell to tell these people how to do their jobs. They have the misfortune of dealing with someone that has had 4 years SPED experience at the high school level. I think she'll be okay for fall, but I'm not totally thrilled with the program she will be participating in. I would love to see her interact more with like-age peers. However, I am quite proud of the effort she's put in to studying and practicing for her finals and also happy that I was able to advocate for her today. I turn into such a nasty bitch when people are mistreating my children.
SPEAKING OF MISTREATING MY CHILDREN.
So, at dinner, Ester tells me that she was misbehaving at lunch. Her teacher made her sit on the foor, cross-legged and facing the wall, with her arms out and her hands placed against the wall. WTF? We're going to have a talkie talk tomorrow, for serious. That just seems a little inappropriate. Just a tad.
So, Aileen's PPT lasted quite a while and, after coming home and talking to Jeremy a while, I took a nap. I really need to stop taking naps, but gosh I love them.
I got up, hung out with Aileen, prepared dinner, hung out with the family. You know, the usual. I like the usual. For dinner, I made an awesome smoothie. This was my first pure fruit smoothie!
Fruit Smoothie:
Watermelon - 812 grams, 243.6 calories, 1.2 grams fat, 5 grams protein
Mango - 300 grams, 195 calories, .8 grams fat, 1.5 grams protein
Strawberries - 546 grams, 174.7 calories, 1.6 grams fat, 3.7 grams protein
Holy crap, it was so good! Of course, it lasted me all night. My original intention was to suck it down before and during dinner, then drink a green smoothie at night. Whoops?
Totals - 1172 calories, 6 grams fat, 18 grams protein
80/10/10 - 91/4/5 WOO!
I watched So You Think You Can Dance tonight, and the results pissed me off. I liked Ravyn. :(
Anyways, I'm rushing this along so I can scoot to bed. See you guys tomorrow. It will be a chlorophyll-filled day!
<3,
Sarah
I totally neglected my greens today, but I will pay homage to the gods of spinach and chard tomorrow.
This morning, I weighed in at 253.5. That is .5 pounds down from yesterday. Go me!
For breakfast, I ate a mixture of cherries and strawberries. I needed to shop, so I was just picking off the ends of my fantastic fruits.
Strawberries - 260 grams, 83.2 calories, .8 grams fat, 1.7 grams protein
Cherries - 236 grams, 148.7 calories, .5 grams fat, 2.5 grams protein
After getting the wonder that is Ester McGester to school, I went shopping. I felt so empowered - I only shopped in the produce section! Well, I had to get Ester suntan lotion for school but that so doesn't count.
I came home, ate my pineapple lunch outside while reading my 80-10-10 book. I sat next to my big, big garden. What a really nice treat!
Pineapple - 680 grams, .8 grams fat, 3.7 grams protein
Afterwards, I had Aileen's PPT. Let me tell you, it is annoying as hell to tell these people how to do their jobs. They have the misfortune of dealing with someone that has had 4 years SPED experience at the high school level. I think she'll be okay for fall, but I'm not totally thrilled with the program she will be participating in. I would love to see her interact more with like-age peers. However, I am quite proud of the effort she's put in to studying and practicing for her finals and also happy that I was able to advocate for her today. I turn into such a nasty bitch when people are mistreating my children.
SPEAKING OF MISTREATING MY CHILDREN.
So, at dinner, Ester tells me that she was misbehaving at lunch. Her teacher made her sit on the foor, cross-legged and facing the wall, with her arms out and her hands placed against the wall. WTF? We're going to have a talkie talk tomorrow, for serious. That just seems a little inappropriate. Just a tad.
So, Aileen's PPT lasted quite a while and, after coming home and talking to Jeremy a while, I took a nap. I really need to stop taking naps, but gosh I love them.
I got up, hung out with Aileen, prepared dinner, hung out with the family. You know, the usual. I like the usual. For dinner, I made an awesome smoothie. This was my first pure fruit smoothie!
Fruit Smoothie:
Watermelon - 812 grams, 243.6 calories, 1.2 grams fat, 5 grams protein
Mango - 300 grams, 195 calories, .8 grams fat, 1.5 grams protein
Strawberries - 546 grams, 174.7 calories, 1.6 grams fat, 3.7 grams protein
Holy crap, it was so good! Of course, it lasted me all night. My original intention was to suck it down before and during dinner, then drink a green smoothie at night. Whoops?
Totals - 1172 calories, 6 grams fat, 18 grams protein
80/10/10 - 91/4/5 WOO!
I watched So You Think You Can Dance tonight, and the results pissed me off. I liked Ravyn. :(
Anyways, I'm rushing this along so I can scoot to bed. See you guys tomorrow. It will be a chlorophyll-filled day!
<3,
Sarah
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
100 for 100: Day 17
I DID IT! I GOT MY CALORIES UPPPPPPPPPPPPPP! HOOORAY!
Okay, I got that out of my system.
Anyways, today was a weird day. I had a really difficult time sleeping last night. I ended up getting out of bed and reading my 80-10-10 book, which is just a phenomenal read. It's very scientific, and I appreciate that approach. Don't get me wrong, I really like reading a fun, light-hearted book, but I love the detail Dr. Doug Graham provides. People tend to get really down on others sometimes: don't count your calories, just 'feel' what you want to eat, yada yada.
Look.
I am morbidly obese. "Feeling" my way through food has not worked for me so far. I felt my way into size 24 jeans. I felt my way into stretch marks that have marred my skin. I felt my way into not being able to fit on amusement park rides. I need the discipline. I need to UNDERSTAND what I am putting into my body, and how it affects me. I am changing my life. I am learning. Like I said yesterday, all knowledge is worth having. I refuse to just throw myself to the whims of my emotions for 'knowing' when and what I should eat, because I promise you - I will be at Taco Bell. I am taking charge.
Now, back to your regularly scheduled blog!
This morning, I weighed 254, which is steady from yesterday. I'm down with that!
For breakfast, I ate (literally) a pound and a half of cherries. THEY WERE SO NUMMY. I can't believe I am just experiencing natural cherries now for the first time in my life.
Cherries - 700 grams, 441 calories, 1.4 grams fat, 7.4 grams protein
I worked this morning, and it was again thankfully void of angry text-based customers. Then, I made myself a SUPER smoothie. I think I went overboard.
Fluffy Spinach Smoothie, Take Two:
Spinach - 340 grams, 78.2 calories, 1.3 grams fat, 9.7 grams protein
Chard - 296 grams, 56.2 calories, .6 grams fat, 5.3 grams protein
Bananas - 486 grams, 432.5 calories, 1.6 grams fat, 5.3 grams protein
Bananas - again! - 230 grams, 204.7 calories, .8 grams fat, 2.5 grams protein
I really put way too much stuff into this, and it took me all afternoon and evening to finish. I also had to put two more bananas in to make it a bit sweeter.
Jeremy and I had counseling today, which is totally going great. We're really laying out a solid foundation for our future, and that gives me a lot of comfort. We were so young when we got married, and I'm glad we have this chance to refocus.
I made dinner for my family tonight. My favorite.
IT WAS SO HARD TO WATCH THEM EAT BLACK BEAN TACOS WITH CHEESE AND SOUR CREAM.
Did you get that? Because, my God, I surely did. Of course, I had sauteed mushrooms with spices and chickpeas and lettuce and tomatoes, but god those black beans with the sour cream and cheese were just calling to me. They like it, and I like for them to be happy eating but I think I'm just going to crumple with each bite they take. I guess if I can make it through taco night, I can make it through anything.
After dinner, I snacked on cherries. Again. I love them. They are great to eat while you watch So You Think You Can Dance-Dance-Dance. OH, and the show was awesome! I was so thrilled to see some of the dancers and have them actually get me excited about this season. I've been clinging to the awesome that is Season 3 for so long that, well, I DIDN'T WANT TO LET THEM GO. My favorite performance of the night was Joshua and Katee, dancing to No Air. I also really, really like Will. I have a crush on him. Comfort is adorable, and her personality is infectious. Ravyn is a beautiful person, and I'm really drawn to her. And, of course, Twitch rules. Go Twitchington!
Cherries - 188 grams, 118.4 calories, .4 grams fat, 2 grams protein
Totals - 1331 (!) calories, 6 grams fat, 32 grams protein
80/10/10 - 87/4/9 (Whee!)
I made my total goal today, I made my total goal! WHEE! I also got enough iron for the day, which made me thrilled. Altogether, I am really pleased with today.
Big hopes for tomorrow!
<3,
Sarah
Okay, I got that out of my system.
Anyways, today was a weird day. I had a really difficult time sleeping last night. I ended up getting out of bed and reading my 80-10-10 book, which is just a phenomenal read. It's very scientific, and I appreciate that approach. Don't get me wrong, I really like reading a fun, light-hearted book, but I love the detail Dr. Doug Graham provides. People tend to get really down on others sometimes: don't count your calories, just 'feel' what you want to eat, yada yada.
Look.
I am morbidly obese. "Feeling" my way through food has not worked for me so far. I felt my way into size 24 jeans. I felt my way into stretch marks that have marred my skin. I felt my way into not being able to fit on amusement park rides. I need the discipline. I need to UNDERSTAND what I am putting into my body, and how it affects me. I am changing my life. I am learning. Like I said yesterday, all knowledge is worth having. I refuse to just throw myself to the whims of my emotions for 'knowing' when and what I should eat, because I promise you - I will be at Taco Bell. I am taking charge.
Now, back to your regularly scheduled blog!
This morning, I weighed 254, which is steady from yesterday. I'm down with that!
For breakfast, I ate (literally) a pound and a half of cherries. THEY WERE SO NUMMY. I can't believe I am just experiencing natural cherries now for the first time in my life.
Cherries - 700 grams, 441 calories, 1.4 grams fat, 7.4 grams protein
I worked this morning, and it was again thankfully void of angry text-based customers. Then, I made myself a SUPER smoothie. I think I went overboard.
Fluffy Spinach Smoothie, Take Two:
Spinach - 340 grams, 78.2 calories, 1.3 grams fat, 9.7 grams protein
Chard - 296 grams, 56.2 calories, .6 grams fat, 5.3 grams protein
Bananas - 486 grams, 432.5 calories, 1.6 grams fat, 5.3 grams protein
Bananas - again! - 230 grams, 204.7 calories, .8 grams fat, 2.5 grams protein
I really put way too much stuff into this, and it took me all afternoon and evening to finish. I also had to put two more bananas in to make it a bit sweeter.
Jeremy and I had counseling today, which is totally going great. We're really laying out a solid foundation for our future, and that gives me a lot of comfort. We were so young when we got married, and I'm glad we have this chance to refocus.
I made dinner for my family tonight. My favorite.
IT WAS SO HARD TO WATCH THEM EAT BLACK BEAN TACOS WITH CHEESE AND SOUR CREAM.
Did you get that? Because, my God, I surely did. Of course, I had sauteed mushrooms with spices and chickpeas and lettuce and tomatoes, but god those black beans with the sour cream and cheese were just calling to me. They like it, and I like for them to be happy eating but I think I'm just going to crumple with each bite they take. I guess if I can make it through taco night, I can make it through anything.
After dinner, I snacked on cherries. Again. I love them. They are great to eat while you watch So You Think You Can Dance-Dance-Dance. OH, and the show was awesome! I was so thrilled to see some of the dancers and have them actually get me excited about this season. I've been clinging to the awesome that is Season 3 for so long that, well, I DIDN'T WANT TO LET THEM GO. My favorite performance of the night was Joshua and Katee, dancing to No Air. I also really, really like Will. I have a crush on him. Comfort is adorable, and her personality is infectious. Ravyn is a beautiful person, and I'm really drawn to her. And, of course, Twitch rules. Go Twitchington!
Cherries - 188 grams, 118.4 calories, .4 grams fat, 2 grams protein
Totals - 1331 (!) calories, 6 grams fat, 32 grams protein
80/10/10 - 87/4/9 (Whee!)
I made my total goal today, I made my total goal! WHEE! I also got enough iron for the day, which made me thrilled. Altogether, I am really pleased with today.
Big hopes for tomorrow!
<3,
Sarah
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
100 for 100: Day 16
Holy. God. It. Is. Hot. It was, like, 101 today.
Seriously.
Us northern white folks don't take that kind of heat! I AM WILTING! So, Jeremy awesomely took Ester in to school this morning, so I loafed. I really, really like to loaf in the heat. Also, I don't think I am getting enough calories (scratch that, I know I'm not getting enough calories), so my energy level is wicked poor. I made a decision to do my best to eat eat eat eat eat today - my goal is eventually to get my caloric intake up to 1200-1500. Right now, I'm only eating enough calories for a girl that weighs 80 pounds. Yikes!
Today, I weighed 254. That's one pound less than yesterday, yay. I am .9 BMI away from no longer being morbidly obese. How AWESOME is that?
For breakfast, I made a smoothie. I bought clementines, thinking I needed a break from oranges - but I just don't like them as much, so therefore I do not eat them. I added some kale for iron. It was yum!
Fluffy Spinach Smoothie-
Spinach - 128 grams, 29.4 calories, .5 grams fat, 3.7 grams protein
Banana - 472 grams, 420 calories, 1.6 grams fat, 5.1 grams protein
Kale - 84 grams, 42 calories, .6 grams fatm 2.8 grams protein
I am like, wildly crazy about cob houses so I did more research. I really want to find out local building codes and IF WE CAN, I want to build one. I did a little land pricing in Connecticut, and holy moly, is it expensive. However, I'd rather spend 120k for a huge 4 acre lot and build my house for 5 dollars than spend 200k on an existing house that I hate. Makes sense, right? Right. Cob is like, the future of America.
While I read and read and read and wrote emails and read some more, I ate strawberries. Like, a ton of them.
Strawberries - 762 grams, 2.3 grams fat, 5.1 grams protein
After all that, I settled in for a bath and Natalia Rose goodness. I reviewed food combining, which is kind of silly as I naturally gravitate towards mono-meals anyways. However, all knowledge is worth having! I got out of the bath late and had to hurry to pick up Ester for her dentist's appointment.
Pause for a moment.
This was a bad thing. I was just about ready to eat, but thought to myself: "Self, this will be quick and you can eat a snack when you get home." This was a bad idea. Not only did I have to get Ester to the dentist (wtf, when is that EVER quick?), but I had to go to Blockbuster and then to the store. By the time I got home, I was hot and sweaty and bitchy. SUPER bitchy. Not only that, but I had to cook for my family because Jeremy was running late. So, I was hot and sweaty and over a hot stove cooking food I won't touch. Yeah, that upped the bitch level to mega.
Note to self: bring bananas with you if you know you're going somewhere that will take longer than an hour. Self, please remember this because your family's peace depends on it.
Anyways, Ester was great at the dentist BUT she had four cavities. AAAAAAAGH! Now, I realize I have not had this child forever but I FEEL LIKE A BAD MOM. :( Ah well. It's just the baby teeth, so we'll have take two and this time, they will be pristine! Pristine, I say! And, of course, it took forever at the dentist's office because that's the law of the world.
Afterwards, I went to Blockbuster. I threw that stupid There Will Be Blood movie into the receptacle, and made a private promise to myself that the only time I will ever watch that movie again is if the director is next to me so I can facepalm him. Ester picked out Underdog, and I got The War (Jet Li, omg) and The Other Boleyn Girl. I think they are running out of options for movie titles.
At the store, I got mostly food for my family. I try to keep them vegetarian at least, but today I made a stand against the man: I got my daughter nut milk for her cereal. Cow's milk is just so bogus, even if it's organic.
After rushing home, I prepared dinner and threw together a salad for myself. This was my first avocado-less salad. I have to admit, I was a little sad not to have its tender goodness. Ah well! No time for tears, because we had a Blood Borne Pathogen training tonight for foster care. Zip to that! Whee!
Dinner -
Romaine Lettuce - 141 grams, 24 calories, .4 grams fat, 1.7 grams protein
Cucumber - 240 grams, 36 calories, .3 grams fat, 1.6 grams protein
Tomatoes - 250 grams, 45 calories, .5 grams fat, 2.2 grams protein
I'm still hungry, but I have a bit of salad left so I'll try that. On Give It To Me Raw, they suggested eating greens at night so I'm giving it a go. However - I STILL HAD LIKE NO CALORIES FOR TODAY. Tomorrow, it's on with the bananas. It's SO on.
Totals - 840 calories, 6 grams fat, 22 grams protein
For 80-10-10, that's: 85/6/9. Yay me!
Oh! I got my book today! It has so much information! I'll let you know how I like The 80-10-10 Diet. I think I'm going to curl up with it under the dulcet breath of my air conditioner.
The lady at the training was passing out candy for right answers. How about some carrot sticks, huh? Huh?
Seriously.
Us northern white folks don't take that kind of heat! I AM WILTING! So, Jeremy awesomely took Ester in to school this morning, so I loafed. I really, really like to loaf in the heat. Also, I don't think I am getting enough calories (scratch that, I know I'm not getting enough calories), so my energy level is wicked poor. I made a decision to do my best to eat eat eat eat eat today - my goal is eventually to get my caloric intake up to 1200-1500. Right now, I'm only eating enough calories for a girl that weighs 80 pounds. Yikes!
Today, I weighed 254. That's one pound less than yesterday, yay. I am .9 BMI away from no longer being morbidly obese. How AWESOME is that?
For breakfast, I made a smoothie. I bought clementines, thinking I needed a break from oranges - but I just don't like them as much, so therefore I do not eat them. I added some kale for iron. It was yum!
Fluffy Spinach Smoothie-
Spinach - 128 grams, 29.4 calories, .5 grams fat, 3.7 grams protein
Banana - 472 grams, 420 calories, 1.6 grams fat, 5.1 grams protein
Kale - 84 grams, 42 calories, .6 grams fatm 2.8 grams protein
I am like, wildly crazy about cob houses so I did more research. I really want to find out local building codes and IF WE CAN, I want to build one. I did a little land pricing in Connecticut, and holy moly, is it expensive. However, I'd rather spend 120k for a huge 4 acre lot and build my house for 5 dollars than spend 200k on an existing house that I hate. Makes sense, right? Right. Cob is like, the future of America.
While I read and read and read and wrote emails and read some more, I ate strawberries. Like, a ton of them.
Strawberries - 762 grams, 2.3 grams fat, 5.1 grams protein
After all that, I settled in for a bath and Natalia Rose goodness. I reviewed food combining, which is kind of silly as I naturally gravitate towards mono-meals anyways. However, all knowledge is worth having! I got out of the bath late and had to hurry to pick up Ester for her dentist's appointment.
Pause for a moment.
This was a bad thing. I was just about ready to eat, but thought to myself: "Self, this will be quick and you can eat a snack when you get home." This was a bad idea. Not only did I have to get Ester to the dentist (wtf, when is that EVER quick?), but I had to go to Blockbuster and then to the store. By the time I got home, I was hot and sweaty and bitchy. SUPER bitchy. Not only that, but I had to cook for my family because Jeremy was running late. So, I was hot and sweaty and over a hot stove cooking food I won't touch. Yeah, that upped the bitch level to mega.
Note to self: bring bananas with you if you know you're going somewhere that will take longer than an hour. Self, please remember this because your family's peace depends on it.
Anyways, Ester was great at the dentist BUT she had four cavities. AAAAAAAGH! Now, I realize I have not had this child forever but I FEEL LIKE A BAD MOM. :( Ah well. It's just the baby teeth, so we'll have take two and this time, they will be pristine! Pristine, I say! And, of course, it took forever at the dentist's office because that's the law of the world.
Afterwards, I went to Blockbuster. I threw that stupid There Will Be Blood movie into the receptacle, and made a private promise to myself that the only time I will ever watch that movie again is if the director is next to me so I can facepalm him. Ester picked out Underdog, and I got The War (Jet Li, omg) and The Other Boleyn Girl. I think they are running out of options for movie titles.
At the store, I got mostly food for my family. I try to keep them vegetarian at least, but today I made a stand against the man: I got my daughter nut milk for her cereal. Cow's milk is just so bogus, even if it's organic.
After rushing home, I prepared dinner and threw together a salad for myself. This was my first avocado-less salad. I have to admit, I was a little sad not to have its tender goodness. Ah well! No time for tears, because we had a Blood Borne Pathogen training tonight for foster care. Zip to that! Whee!
Dinner -
Romaine Lettuce - 141 grams, 24 calories, .4 grams fat, 1.7 grams protein
Cucumber - 240 grams, 36 calories, .3 grams fat, 1.6 grams protein
Tomatoes - 250 grams, 45 calories, .5 grams fat, 2.2 grams protein
I'm still hungry, but I have a bit of salad left so I'll try that. On Give It To Me Raw, they suggested eating greens at night so I'm giving it a go. However - I STILL HAD LIKE NO CALORIES FOR TODAY. Tomorrow, it's on with the bananas. It's SO on.
Totals - 840 calories, 6 grams fat, 22 grams protein
For 80-10-10, that's: 85/6/9. Yay me!
Oh! I got my book today! It has so much information! I'll let you know how I like The 80-10-10 Diet. I think I'm going to curl up with it under the dulcet breath of my air conditioner.
The lady at the training was passing out candy for right answers. How about some carrot sticks, huh? Huh?
Saturday, June 7, 2008
100 for 100: Day 13
So, yesterday..
I fell off the wagon. It was rainy and cold and by-gum-it, I wanted cooked food. I had a vegetarian flat bread pizza for lunch. Let me tell you - I felt like CRAP. The bread was this horrid ball of glue in my stomach and I hated it. I felt sick for the entire afternoon. Last night, I ate a big bowl of cherries then waited for about an hour and ate a salad. I felt fantastic after getting vibrant, fresh, raw food into my system. Lesson learned!
Today, I had a *much* better day. I ordered the 80-10-10 Diet by Dr. Douglas Graham yesterday, and I am anxiously awaiting its arrival at my home. Until then, I shall wallow in the glory of my avocados. (I promise, Ash, I will cut back.)
For breakfast, I had two yummy oranges. I had a bit of a headache (probably because that big, nasty ball of bread glue was in my intestines and I hadn't gone #2 in a bit), so I lounged in bed for a bit with a bag of ice against my neck. You know, it's really interesting to me how much can be treated WITHOUT medicine. Time, rest, heat/cold, and healthy living - that's the most important. I read an article yesterday that there are actually placebo pills on the market (called Obecalp, which is Placebo spelled backwards) that mothers can give to children when they want them to stop whining about this, that, or the other thing hurting. People are actually teaching their children that the way to treat all symptoms, real or imaginary, is to pop a pill. Blegh.
Oh yes, my oranges.
Oranges - 220 grams, 107.8 calories, .3 grams fat, 2 grams protein
I got Ester up and dressed for her bio visit with her dad, then went to the store. I really, really love how I spend the majority of my time in the produce aisle. I used to just rush past it, if I stopped at all. WOW. Isn't that awesome?!
I had to work my dorky job and take peoples assists about their text-based clothing not fitting in the right slots. (Don't ask.) While I did this, I had a friggin' huge snack of pineapple.
Pineapple - 526 grams, 252.5 calories, .6 grams fat, 2.8 grams protein
When I came home, I had a really awesome lunch of watermelon. It felt really, really good to flush out my system.
Watermelon - 926 grams, 277.8 calories, 1.4 grams fat, 5.6 grams protein
I find that when I stick to fruit for my breakfast, lunch, and midafternoon snack, I have WAY MUCH MORE ENERGY. Usually, I get really sluggish after lunch and need an hour or two nap. Not this time! What made it more amazing was that it was friggin' hot today. 99! Us white New England folks were melting. After lunch, I took Ester and Aileen to the store and got them new shoes. Ester, of course, picked the ones that had the most lights to light up and the shiniest butterflies. Aileen, of course, picked sandals that had 094590 inch wedges in the heel to make it look like she is remotely tall. Ha.
We came home, and Jeremy prepared them a lovely meal of..hotdogs. Ugh. I hate that they are even in my house, but, at the same time, I don't want to be psychotic over their choices. After all, it is -their- choice. Still, the smell of hotdogs permeating the house was enough to make me want to bury my head in my lilac-scented sheets.
I made a meal of my omgfavorite wrap. While I do love this wrap, I can't wait until I use the last one tomorrow. Like I said previously, I hate wasting but it's hard to eat all of them by yourself!
OMGFAVORITE wrap:
Ezekiel Bread Tortilla - 57 grams, 85 calories, 2 grams fat, 3.4 grams protein
Spinach - 22 grams, 5.1 calories, .1 gram fat, .6 grams protein
Tomatoes - 150 grams, 27 calories, .3 grams fat, 1.3 grams protein
Avocado - 120 grams, 192 calories, 17.6 grams fat, 2.4 grams protein
A dash of red pepper to taste! Mmm.
Tonight, I tried to watch The Assassination of Jesse James. I incorrectly assumed that because it had Brad Pitt, it would be quality. I don't think I made it past the first 30 minutes. It made me so sad because I really, really like Brad Pitt and I think he's an uber actor. I popped in Casino Royale, which was slightly better but meh. I'm turning into a movie snob. You know, after watching and rewatching every episode of Firefly, I just have such a snotty standard for dialogue and plot development. Brown Coats forever, raaaaah!
Totals - 948 calories, 22 grams fat, 18 grams protein
My weight today was 254.5, which is 1.5 pounds down from Thursday. Go me!
<3
I fell off the wagon. It was rainy and cold and by-gum-it, I wanted cooked food. I had a vegetarian flat bread pizza for lunch. Let me tell you - I felt like CRAP. The bread was this horrid ball of glue in my stomach and I hated it. I felt sick for the entire afternoon. Last night, I ate a big bowl of cherries then waited for about an hour and ate a salad. I felt fantastic after getting vibrant, fresh, raw food into my system. Lesson learned!
Today, I had a *much* better day. I ordered the 80-10-10 Diet by Dr. Douglas Graham yesterday, and I am anxiously awaiting its arrival at my home. Until then, I shall wallow in the glory of my avocados. (I promise, Ash, I will cut back.)
For breakfast, I had two yummy oranges. I had a bit of a headache (probably because that big, nasty ball of bread glue was in my intestines and I hadn't gone #2 in a bit), so I lounged in bed for a bit with a bag of ice against my neck. You know, it's really interesting to me how much can be treated WITHOUT medicine. Time, rest, heat/cold, and healthy living - that's the most important. I read an article yesterday that there are actually placebo pills on the market (called Obecalp, which is Placebo spelled backwards) that mothers can give to children when they want them to stop whining about this, that, or the other thing hurting. People are actually teaching their children that the way to treat all symptoms, real or imaginary, is to pop a pill. Blegh.
Oh yes, my oranges.
Oranges - 220 grams, 107.8 calories, .3 grams fat, 2 grams protein
I got Ester up and dressed for her bio visit with her dad, then went to the store. I really, really love how I spend the majority of my time in the produce aisle. I used to just rush past it, if I stopped at all. WOW. Isn't that awesome?!
I had to work my dorky job and take peoples assists about their text-based clothing not fitting in the right slots. (Don't ask.) While I did this, I had a friggin' huge snack of pineapple.
Pineapple - 526 grams, 252.5 calories, .6 grams fat, 2.8 grams protein
When I came home, I had a really awesome lunch of watermelon. It felt really, really good to flush out my system.
Watermelon - 926 grams, 277.8 calories, 1.4 grams fat, 5.6 grams protein
I find that when I stick to fruit for my breakfast, lunch, and midafternoon snack, I have WAY MUCH MORE ENERGY. Usually, I get really sluggish after lunch and need an hour or two nap. Not this time! What made it more amazing was that it was friggin' hot today. 99! Us white New England folks were melting. After lunch, I took Ester and Aileen to the store and got them new shoes. Ester, of course, picked the ones that had the most lights to light up and the shiniest butterflies. Aileen, of course, picked sandals that had 094590 inch wedges in the heel to make it look like she is remotely tall. Ha.
We came home, and Jeremy prepared them a lovely meal of..hotdogs. Ugh. I hate that they are even in my house, but, at the same time, I don't want to be psychotic over their choices. After all, it is -their- choice. Still, the smell of hotdogs permeating the house was enough to make me want to bury my head in my lilac-scented sheets.
I made a meal of my omgfavorite wrap. While I do love this wrap, I can't wait until I use the last one tomorrow. Like I said previously, I hate wasting but it's hard to eat all of them by yourself!
OMGFAVORITE wrap:
Ezekiel Bread Tortilla - 57 grams, 85 calories, 2 grams fat, 3.4 grams protein
Spinach - 22 grams, 5.1 calories, .1 gram fat, .6 grams protein
Tomatoes - 150 grams, 27 calories, .3 grams fat, 1.3 grams protein
Avocado - 120 grams, 192 calories, 17.6 grams fat, 2.4 grams protein
A dash of red pepper to taste! Mmm.
Tonight, I tried to watch The Assassination of Jesse James. I incorrectly assumed that because it had Brad Pitt, it would be quality. I don't think I made it past the first 30 minutes. It made me so sad because I really, really like Brad Pitt and I think he's an uber actor. I popped in Casino Royale, which was slightly better but meh. I'm turning into a movie snob. You know, after watching and rewatching every episode of Firefly, I just have such a snotty standard for dialogue and plot development. Brown Coats forever, raaaaah!
Totals - 948 calories, 22 grams fat, 18 grams protein
My weight today was 254.5, which is 1.5 pounds down from Thursday. Go me!
<3
Thursday, May 29, 2008
100 for 100: Day 4
Oy. I'm really angsty today. Maybe it's because (and pardon me) I haven't taken a crap in 24 hours. I know there's some stuff wanting to come out! Maybe it's because I sat with my family while they ate my favorite cooked vegetarian meal. Who knows!
What I do know is that, although I am strong in my commitment, there are tiny things that are frustrating me. I don't want to quit, I don't want to break my 100%, but there's this little bud of anger inside of me that is rebelling against this change.
I have tried to reach out to my 'real' friends, but they just don't understand what I am doing. Despite the obvious benefits, they feel it is extreme. They talk about the tastes and memories they would miss, and it's hard for me not to do the same. One way I am trying to preserve those memories is to force myself into the 'normal' situations in which those memories were created, like our family dinner time. My husband has been super awesome about making dinner so that I don't have to cook meat or create familiar cooked vegetarian recipes that would entice me, but I still have to watch them eat it! Tonight especially, I felt like a kid outside the window of the candy store. I don't want to eat cooked foods; I only want it because I cannot have them.
Or I perceive I cannot have them. I do have a will. I do have a choice. I am choosing to be healthy. I just can't lose sight of that.
Oy. I'm rambling..sorry!
So, this morning I weighed in at 259, which is .5 down from yesterday and 3.5 down total since going 100% raw. Go me!
Today, I ate:
Breakfast:
Oranges - 490 grams, 240.1 calories, .7 grams fat, 4.5 grams protein
Snack:
Pineapple - 520 grams, 249.6 calories, .6 grams fat, 2.8 grams protein
Lunch:
Salad avec:
Avocado - 140 grams, 224 calories, 20.5 grams fat, 2.8 grams protein
Cucumber - 310 grams, 46.5 calories, .3 grams fat, 2 grams protein
Red Pepper - 220 grams, 57.2 calories, .7 grams fat, 2.2 grams protein
Tomatoes - 220 grams, 39.6 calories, .4 grams fat, 1.9 grams protein
Cilantro - 20 grams, 4.6 calories, .1 grams fat, .4 grams protein
(This was so super huge, it lasted me into a late afternoon snack.)
Dinner:
Fluffy smoothie:
Spinach - 130 grams, 29.9 calories, .5 grams fat, 3.7 grams protein
Banana - 470 grams, 418.3 calories, 1.6 grams fat, 5.1 grams protein
Totals - 1310 calories, 25 grams fat (eesh, that's high!), 25 grams protein
Well, I got more calories but I need to watch that fat! Darn those avocados!
<3!
What I do know is that, although I am strong in my commitment, there are tiny things that are frustrating me. I don't want to quit, I don't want to break my 100%, but there's this little bud of anger inside of me that is rebelling against this change.
I have tried to reach out to my 'real' friends, but they just don't understand what I am doing. Despite the obvious benefits, they feel it is extreme. They talk about the tastes and memories they would miss, and it's hard for me not to do the same. One way I am trying to preserve those memories is to force myself into the 'normal' situations in which those memories were created, like our family dinner time. My husband has been super awesome about making dinner so that I don't have to cook meat or create familiar cooked vegetarian recipes that would entice me, but I still have to watch them eat it! Tonight especially, I felt like a kid outside the window of the candy store. I don't want to eat cooked foods; I only want it because I cannot have them.
Or I perceive I cannot have them. I do have a will. I do have a choice. I am choosing to be healthy. I just can't lose sight of that.
Oy. I'm rambling..sorry!
So, this morning I weighed in at 259, which is .5 down from yesterday and 3.5 down total since going 100% raw. Go me!
Today, I ate:
Breakfast:
Oranges - 490 grams, 240.1 calories, .7 grams fat, 4.5 grams protein
Snack:
Pineapple - 520 grams, 249.6 calories, .6 grams fat, 2.8 grams protein
Lunch:
Salad avec:
Avocado - 140 grams, 224 calories, 20.5 grams fat, 2.8 grams protein
Cucumber - 310 grams, 46.5 calories, .3 grams fat, 2 grams protein
Red Pepper - 220 grams, 57.2 calories, .7 grams fat, 2.2 grams protein
Tomatoes - 220 grams, 39.6 calories, .4 grams fat, 1.9 grams protein
Cilantro - 20 grams, 4.6 calories, .1 grams fat, .4 grams protein
(This was so super huge, it lasted me into a late afternoon snack.)
Dinner:
Fluffy smoothie:
Spinach - 130 grams, 29.9 calories, .5 grams fat, 3.7 grams protein
Banana - 470 grams, 418.3 calories, 1.6 grams fat, 5.1 grams protein
Totals - 1310 calories, 25 grams fat (eesh, that's high!), 25 grams protein
Well, I got more calories but I need to watch that fat! Darn those avocados!
<3!
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
100 for 100: Day 3
Yikes.
Okay, everyone talks about the emotional detox. I thought to myself, "Self, you'll be just fine."
Ha.
Ha ha.
Ha.
So, I lost it today. All these EMOTIONS just started pouring out of my eyeballs, and then I kept going because I realized I couldn't soothe and feed them with the normal gobs of ice cream and Taco Bell. Then I realized - I have to deal with them.
What?! What?! DEAL WITH THEM? Ugh.
So, deal with them I did and I made it through the day emotionally drained, but still 100% raw. I am still a tiny bit worried about my caloric intake. I think I need to throw in a few more random snacks or something. Eesh. I did have a bit of a headache in the evening because I waited for the rest of my family's dinner to be prepared. I should have just had a snack while they were cooking, and my smoothie at dinner.
My energy was awesome in the beginning of the day, but after my boohoo session, I was pretty zonked. HMM. What's good unzonking food? I need to investigate.
I weighed in this morning at 259.5 lbs. That is 1 lb. down from yesterday, for a total of three pounds lost. Go me!
Here's what I ate today:
Breakfast. around 8ish:
Oranges - 300 grams, 147 calories, .9 grams fat, 3.1 grams protein
Snack, around 10ish:
Blueberries - 160 grams, 91.2 calories, .5 grams fat, 1.2 grams protein
Lunch, around 1ish:
Salad avec:
Spinach - 150 grams, 34.5 calories, .6 grams fat, 4.3 grams protein
Avocado - 90 grams, 144 calories, 13.2 grams fat, 1.8 grams protein
Tomatoes - 340 grams, 61.2 calories, .7 grams fat, 3 grams protein
Cucumber - 270 grams, 40.5 calories, .3 grams fat, 1.8 grams protein
Red Pepper - 22o grams, 57.2 calories, .7 grams fat, 2.2 grams protein
Dinner, around 7 ish: (yikes, six hours without a bit of love in my belly?!)
Fluffy Smoothie
Spinach - 100 grams, 23 calories, .4 grams fat, 2.9 grams protein
Bananas - 340 grams, 302.6 calories, 1.1 grams fat, 3.7 grams protein
Totals: 901 calories, 18 grams fat, 24 grams protein
<3!
Okay, everyone talks about the emotional detox. I thought to myself, "Self, you'll be just fine."
Ha.
Ha ha.
Ha.
So, I lost it today. All these EMOTIONS just started pouring out of my eyeballs, and then I kept going because I realized I couldn't soothe and feed them with the normal gobs of ice cream and Taco Bell. Then I realized - I have to deal with them.
What?! What?! DEAL WITH THEM? Ugh.
So, deal with them I did and I made it through the day emotionally drained, but still 100% raw. I am still a tiny bit worried about my caloric intake. I think I need to throw in a few more random snacks or something. Eesh. I did have a bit of a headache in the evening because I waited for the rest of my family's dinner to be prepared. I should have just had a snack while they were cooking, and my smoothie at dinner.
My energy was awesome in the beginning of the day, but after my boohoo session, I was pretty zonked. HMM. What's good unzonking food? I need to investigate.
I weighed in this morning at 259.5 lbs. That is 1 lb. down from yesterday, for a total of three pounds lost. Go me!
Here's what I ate today:
Breakfast. around 8ish:
Oranges - 300 grams, 147 calories, .9 grams fat, 3.1 grams protein
Snack, around 10ish:
Blueberries - 160 grams, 91.2 calories, .5 grams fat, 1.2 grams protein
Lunch, around 1ish:
Salad avec:
Spinach - 150 grams, 34.5 calories, .6 grams fat, 4.3 grams protein
Avocado - 90 grams, 144 calories, 13.2 grams fat, 1.8 grams protein
Tomatoes - 340 grams, 61.2 calories, .7 grams fat, 3 grams protein
Cucumber - 270 grams, 40.5 calories, .3 grams fat, 1.8 grams protein
Red Pepper - 22o grams, 57.2 calories, .7 grams fat, 2.2 grams protein
Dinner, around 7 ish: (yikes, six hours without a bit of love in my belly?!)
Fluffy Smoothie
Spinach - 100 grams, 23 calories, .4 grams fat, 2.9 grams protein
Bananas - 340 grams, 302.6 calories, 1.1 grams fat, 3.7 grams protein
Totals: 901 calories, 18 grams fat, 24 grams protein
<3!
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
100 for 100: Day 2
Wow! What a day!
First, I feel totally great. Last night, I ended up going to bed with a bit of a migraine; a little ice on my neck and a cold towel on my head took care of that, and I slept beautifully. My daughter sneaked into bed with me at 6:30. By that point, I had been awake for about a half an hour and spent some awesome mommy-daughter time with Ester.
I went shopping, did tons of housework, went to physical therapy (for an old neck injury), prepared dinner for my family - all with TONS of energy, love, and happiness. Usually, I have to sleep until 8:30 and take a nap after lunch. I haven't taken a nap since I started my raw transition.
WOW?!
Also, I've been gleaning quite a bit from the community at Give It To Me Raw. One poster gave me the link to a neat website called Nutridiary. I've been logging my food there - it's a great visual analyzing tool. Check it out!
My weight: 260.5 lbs. I'm down 2 pounds from yesterday, the start of my diet.
Here's what I ate today:
Breakfast:
Blueberries - 200 grams, 114 calories, .7 grams fat, 1.5 grams protein
Snack:
Pineapple - 480 grams, 216 calories, .6 grams fat, 2.6 grams protein
Lunch:
Avocado salad thing:
Avocado - 100 grams, 120 calories, 10.1 grams fat, 2.2 grams protein
Cucumber - 220 grams, 33 calories, .2 grams fat, 1.4 grams protein
Red Pepper - 180 grams, 46.8 calories, .5 grams fat, 1.8 grams protein
Cilantro - 40 grams, 9.2 calories, .2 grams fat, .9 grams protein
Tomatoes - 320 grams, 67.2 calories, 1.1 gram fat, 2.7 grams protein
Dinner:
Fluffy Smoothie-
Spinach - 130 grams, 29.9 calories, .5 grams fat, 3.7 grams protein
Bananas - 560 grams, 498.4 calories, 1.8 grams fat, 6.1 grams protein
Total Calories: 1134 calories, 16 grams fat, 23 grams protein
Yikes! I need more calories! I also need to find a good way to get more iron in my diet. I can't wait for tomorrow. :-D
<3!
First, I feel totally great. Last night, I ended up going to bed with a bit of a migraine; a little ice on my neck and a cold towel on my head took care of that, and I slept beautifully. My daughter sneaked into bed with me at 6:30. By that point, I had been awake for about a half an hour and spent some awesome mommy-daughter time with Ester.
I went shopping, did tons of housework, went to physical therapy (for an old neck injury), prepared dinner for my family - all with TONS of energy, love, and happiness. Usually, I have to sleep until 8:30 and take a nap after lunch. I haven't taken a nap since I started my raw transition.
WOW?!
Also, I've been gleaning quite a bit from the community at Give It To Me Raw. One poster gave me the link to a neat website called Nutridiary. I've been logging my food there - it's a great visual analyzing tool. Check it out!
My weight: 260.5 lbs. I'm down 2 pounds from yesterday, the start of my diet.
Here's what I ate today:
Breakfast:
Blueberries - 200 grams, 114 calories, .7 grams fat, 1.5 grams protein
Snack:
Pineapple - 480 grams, 216 calories, .6 grams fat, 2.6 grams protein
Lunch:
Avocado salad thing:
Avocado - 100 grams, 120 calories, 10.1 grams fat, 2.2 grams protein
Cucumber - 220 grams, 33 calories, .2 grams fat, 1.4 grams protein
Red Pepper - 180 grams, 46.8 calories, .5 grams fat, 1.8 grams protein
Cilantro - 40 grams, 9.2 calories, .2 grams fat, .9 grams protein
Tomatoes - 320 grams, 67.2 calories, 1.1 gram fat, 2.7 grams protein
Dinner:
Fluffy Smoothie-
Spinach - 130 grams, 29.9 calories, .5 grams fat, 3.7 grams protein
Bananas - 560 grams, 498.4 calories, 1.8 grams fat, 6.1 grams protein
Total Calories: 1134 calories, 16 grams fat, 23 grams protein
Yikes! I need more calories! I also need to find a good way to get more iron in my diet. I can't wait for tomorrow. :-D
<3!
Monday, May 26, 2008
100 for 100: Day 1
Oy. Today was pretty hard, to be honest. I wanted to start on Memorial Day, but the picnics nearly did me in! Thankfully, I had my handy little bucket o' fruit and maintained my time with the family and my newly found raw food religion. Phew!
I weighed in this morning at 262.5 pounds. This is my starting weight, which is down from 286 pounds in December.
We started wicked late, so breakfast was around 9 AM. I had:
A fluffy green smoothie:
Bananas (4) 342 grams - 304 calories, 3.7 grams protein, 1.1 grams fat
Spinach 100 grams - 23 calories, 2.9 grams protein, .4 grams fat
Total: 365 calories, 6.6 grams protein, 1.5 grams fat
Lunch, after the parade (whee!) around 1 PM:
Spinach 154 grams - 35 calories, 4.4 grams protein, .6 grams fat
Tomatoes 284 grams - 57 calories, 2.5 grams protein, .6 grams fat
Cucumber 322 grams - 39 calories,, 1.9 grams protein, .5 grams fat
Red Bell Pepper 190 grams - 49 calories, 1.9 grams protain, .6 grams fat
Cold-Pressed Olive Oil - 1 T 120 calories, 0 protein, 14 grams fat
Totals: 1070 calories, 10.7 grams protein, 16.3 grams fat
Snackish Dinner, at the BBQ around 4 PM:
Watermelon: 1028 grams - 308 calories, 6.3 grams protein, 1.5 gram fat
Snack, around 8 PM:
Fluffy Green Smoothie:
Spinach 90 grams - 21 calories, 2.6 grams protein, .4 grams fat
Bananas (3) 400 grams - 356 calories, 4.4 grams protein, 1.3 grams fat
Total: 377 calories, 7 grams protein, 1.7 grams fat
Total for the Day:
2120 calories, 30.6 grams protein, 21 grams fat
Not bad! I have nothing to eat tomorrow (aside from breakfast nummies), so I get to go shopping! I friggin' love to shop, seriously. I'm pretty happy with my daily intake, especially with the fat - it's right at 10%. Right now, I'm keeping meals super simple, but I intend to experiment a bit more after I detox and get a bit more comfortable.
Oh! Detox. Today, I just have a bit of a headache. So far, so good.
See you guys bright and early!
I weighed in this morning at 262.5 pounds. This is my starting weight, which is down from 286 pounds in December.
We started wicked late, so breakfast was around 9 AM. I had:
A fluffy green smoothie:
Bananas (4) 342 grams - 304 calories, 3.7 grams protein, 1.1 grams fat
Spinach 100 grams - 23 calories, 2.9 grams protein, .4 grams fat
Total: 365 calories, 6.6 grams protein, 1.5 grams fat
Lunch, after the parade (whee!) around 1 PM:
Spinach 154 grams - 35 calories, 4.4 grams protein, .6 grams fat
Tomatoes 284 grams - 57 calories, 2.5 grams protein, .6 grams fat
Cucumber 322 grams - 39 calories,, 1.9 grams protein, .5 grams fat
Red Bell Pepper 190 grams - 49 calories, 1.9 grams protain, .6 grams fat
Cold-Pressed Olive Oil - 1 T 120 calories, 0 protein, 14 grams fat
Totals: 1070 calories, 10.7 grams protein, 16.3 grams fat
Snackish Dinner, at the BBQ around 4 PM:
Watermelon: 1028 grams - 308 calories, 6.3 grams protein, 1.5 gram fat
Snack, around 8 PM:
Fluffy Green Smoothie:
Spinach 90 grams - 21 calories, 2.6 grams protein, .4 grams fat
Bananas (3) 400 grams - 356 calories, 4.4 grams protein, 1.3 grams fat
Total: 377 calories, 7 grams protein, 1.7 grams fat
Total for the Day:
2120 calories, 30.6 grams protein, 21 grams fat
Not bad! I have nothing to eat tomorrow (aside from breakfast nummies), so I get to go shopping! I friggin' love to shop, seriously. I'm pretty happy with my daily intake, especially with the fat - it's right at 10%. Right now, I'm keeping meals super simple, but I intend to experiment a bit more after I detox and get a bit more comfortable.
Oh! Detox. Today, I just have a bit of a headache. So far, so good.
See you guys bright and early!
First blog!
Go first blog, go first blog, go! If you can imagine it, I'm doing the cabbage patch. Well, not really. Whatever. Details, details.
My name is Sarah Hernandez, and today is my very first day (are you ready for it?) 100% raw! Cue trumpets, fanfare, and obligatory cheerleaders. I've decided to go raw for 100 days. 100% raw for 100 days. 100 for 100. Clever, ain't it? I do try.
I have been a vegetarian for about three months; well, not a vegetarian. A junkatarian. Cheese, pasta, pizza, chips'n'dips - these were my steady friends. While I was losing weight, I became increasingly aware of the lack of quality in my food. I like to think of myself as progressive, so I evaluated my choices and make a conscious decision to do better.
A few weeks ago, I came across a YouTube video of Angela Stokes and her experience with raw food. Researching vegan options, I found her AGAIN. All right, universe - I GET IT! I HEAR YOU! I started researching raw food and found Steve Pavlina, and the We Like it Raw community. I was hooked. Everyone who fully embraces the raw diet seems so healthy and vibrant, and I wanted a slice of that all-natural, uncooked pie. So I made the decision to take the proverbial plunge, and here I am - day one: raw foodie.
I will be blogging in greater detail my meals, my nutritional intake, and my health progress because I know there are so many people out there that, like me, have questions. I hope to draw people to this path. It's been amazing so far, and I've just begun.
Mucho love!
I have been a vegetarian for about three months; well, not a vegetarian. A junkatarian. Cheese, pasta, pizza, chips'n'dips - these were my steady friends. While I was losing weight, I became increasingly aware of the lack of quality in my food. I like to think of myself as progressive, so I evaluated my choices and make a conscious decision to do better.
A few weeks ago, I came across a YouTube video of Angela Stokes and her experience with raw food. Researching vegan options, I found her AGAIN. All right, universe - I GET IT! I HEAR YOU! I started researching raw food and found Steve Pavlina, and the We Like it Raw community. I was hooked. Everyone who fully embraces the raw diet seems so healthy and vibrant, and I wanted a slice of that all-natural, uncooked pie. So I made the decision to take the proverbial plunge, and here I am - day one: raw foodie.
I will be blogging in greater detail my meals, my nutritional intake, and my health progress because I know there are so many people out there that, like me, have questions. I hope to draw people to this path. It's been amazing so far, and I've just begun.
Mucho love!
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