going raw

Well, I've now been on my new food journey for five weeks.  I've gone from eating what ever I wanted to vegan plus wild caught fish and grass-fed beef, when available, with some organic and some not organic.  I then went to vegan incorporating some raw food.  Then buying as much organic food as is available.  I've had different foods when I go out (some animal protein, wheat, dairy, etc.).  I say 'never say never' regarding what I will eat from here on out.

And here are the results:  I feel better, more clear, GI symptoms are gone, more energy, I've lost a little weight, my inflammation has been reduced and arthritis symptoms have subsided.  I am also learning what I am allergic to - so far, it's dairy and soy.  From eating a little dairy and tofu, I've had a strong reaction - very telling.  Makes it easy to avoid these foods.

The next step is my vernal equinox raw food experiment.  On Sunday, I will start a two-week raw food diet.  The only cooked food I will add is quinoa - a plant-based protein.  Not sure yet about the coffee.  I have one cup in the morning.  This will be difficult to give up!  The end of the two week period is the first day of spring AND the first day of one of our farmers' markets - Portland Farmers Market.  This seems like a good way to celebrate spring, my favorite season.

I am having so much fun reading raw food recipe books, blogs and watching YouTube videos about raw food prep.  There is so much information readily available.  I am also equipping my kitchen with the necessary tools: dehydrator, Vita-Mix blender, nut milk bag, spiral slicer, etc.

Great journey!  Pictured is a raw pizza I made - yum!

the natural food experience - start of a journey

Well, I've finally done it.  I changed my diet.  I've been thinking about it for a very long time - eating better to feel better.  I used to eat in a way similar to this and always felt great.  I have been doing this new food plan for a little over a week.  My plan was to do it for two weeks to do kind of a detox/cleanse, and continue based on how I felt - physically and mentally (mentally meaning my thoughts about it - if I'm not there mentally, then it's not going to work).

I have been eating organic fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds, beans and legumes, and organic free range poultry and wild caught fish.  Where able, I am buying locally.  Add to that one cup of coffee in the morning (not ready to give that up).  I am thereby avoiding the foods that bother my system - and that's the point of this: dairy, wheat, eggs, soy, grains and sugar.  Full disclosure here: I do have a little half-and-half in my coffee in the morning - need to find a suitable substitute that's not soy or chemicals.

This is the start of a journey.  My sister, Ann, is starting a raw and natural food company - Freshly Wild in Portland.  She and her business partner, Laurie, make incredible raw foods.  This process introduced me to the raw food world.  My hairdresser, Tadimdia at Tribe Hair Studio, eats a macrobiotic diet and has an incredible wealth of knowledge about natural food and the global food economy.  So fun to sit in her chair and talk about it all!  I've also learned alot by reading blogs, and news and recipes from raw chefs and raw foodies - the latest being Russell James, The Raw Chef.  Check him out - would love to take his class (Pesto & Caramelized Onion Pizza below)!  Just bought a dehydrator - can't wait to start using it!

So for now, I feel great, have more energy, no GI problems or arthritis symptoms, have lost weight and my mind is clear.  The change in food is affecting my sleep a bit - getting settled with that.  I believe it makes sense - I've removed foods that I've eaten my whole life - it's got to have an impact on my system.  When the two weeks is up, I'll assess what I might add or remove from my diet.

Look forward to blogging about this as I continue my journey...

...since I'm finally posting again

Never wrote about my trip to Carmel!  Last October, my sister, Ann, and I stayed in Carmel for a few days.  The purpose of the trip was to walk the Big Sur Half-Marathon in Monterey.   Stayed in a wonderful little hotel with a kitchen - walking distance to everything in town.  Great food, long walks on the beach and along the coast, and toured down the coast to Big Sur.  Our cousin, Kitty, came down from Emerald Hills to stay with us one night - fun evening, of course!!  The walk was fabulous - can't believe we went that far - 13.1 beautiful miles along the Pacific Coast.  We finished right under the 4 hour deadline with 12 minutes to spare.  Boy, we were sore - could hardly walk.  Everything hurt but it was fabulous!  Plan to go again next year.  Great part of California.  Kind of old home week as I'm from northern California.  Great to go back for a visit.  Looking forward to the next one!

home from Maui

Well, I just returned from a wonderful trip to Maui.  Getting to the sun is food for the soul.  The air and water feel like satin on your skin.  The sand beneath your toes in the clear blue water is sensual.  The turtles are cute; the whales are amazing.  I am so grateful to have been able to take this last minute trip.  Stayed on Wailea Beach in southwest Maui.  The photo above is of the beach - great swimming, snorkeling and playing on water toys (kayak, paddle board).  Weather was in the 80's every day.  My room was an ocean-view room just above the Serenity infinity pool - just nice to sit on the lanai and take in the scenery and warm air.  Long walks, good food (and mai tais!), lots of swimming in the ocean and pools, great reading, lovely island music, fun touring - what more can a girl ask for??!!  Can't wait to go back.