Archive for the ‘food’ Category
Eat more fat and eat less, period?
For the last couple of years, I’ve been told about the importance of eating high quality fats for weight loss (not to mention overall health more generally). And though it made sense, intellectually, I just couldn’t get myself to do it. I mean, I’ve had a bottle of Udo’s 3-6-9 tablets in the fridge for well over two years and I may have – maybe – taken about a third of them.
A few weeks ago, I went to a nutritionist, who wanted to see a list of everything that had gone into my mouth for a week. SInce I was still counting calories then (more on my experiences not counting calories to come) I had a very detailed account of what I had been eating, not just for a week, but for months (if not years).
After about ten minutes of flipping through print outs she asked, “Where are you getting your fat from?”
I looked at her sort of funny and said, “Well, as you can see, I eat a lot of tahini. It used to be peanut butter, but I can’t control myself around that. I had switched to almond butter, because I didn’t like it as much and then eventually got to be just as much as a trigger food as peanut butter. Now it’s tahini.”
She flipped through another few pages. “Do you eat olive oil? Fish? Flax?”
Uhm, not really. Mainly I had stopped eating all of that stuff because my nut butter compulsions were so out of control.
Her suggestion: Maybe the reason I can’t control myself around peanut butter, almond butter, and (while not quite as bad as the other two) tahini is that I’m fat deficient.
To be honest, I almost laughed.
Until she started giving me the symptoms associated with fat deficiency: constipation, dry hair, brittle nails, dry skin, fatigue, depression, anxiety – you name it, I have been experiencing it.
Prescription: eat more fat.
More to the point: eat a wider spectrum of fats.
Since I met with her I have really upped my fat intake and, importantly, reduced my nut and seed butter intake dramatically. So instead of eating nut butters and or tahini straight out of the jar and feeling like an out of control pig in the process, I am consciously adding fat to every meal.
To my morning smoothie, which is heavy on the rice protein, raw cacao, and dark leafy greens, I am adding 1 tablespoon of Barlean’s Chocolate Raspberry Swirl Essential Oils for Women. (If you haven’t tried this stuff, it is so good that you could eat it – literally – off the spoon or as a topping for ice cream. Seriously, it’s that good!)
To my lunch, I have added an avocado.
For my snack, I am having 1, if not 2, tablespoons of coconut butter. (If you haven’t tried this either, get some, as it is truly divine. I am not kidding, it is absolutely heavenly!) This particular brand comes in regular, which is just straight coconut and in chocolate – aptly named Raw Organic Cacao Bliss, which is coconut and raw cacao. Either way, it’s delicious. It’s a bit hard to deal with in the summer months because it goes liquid at 72 degrees, but where there’s a will, there’s a way! And trust me, its inconsistent consistency hasn’t stopped me yet. Again, delicious straight off the spoon, off my finger, or as a spread.
For dinner? Well, it depends. Sometimes it’s more avocado. Sometimes it’s sesame oil. Sometimes it’s flax seed. Sometimes it’s olive oil.
Bottom line: I am now eating essential fats at every meal.
And guess what? I’m no longer binging on peanut butter, almond butter, or tahini. In fact, it’s been days since I’ve had any of those things and I haven’t even missed them!
As someone who has counted calories (and fat) for years and who has tendencies to binge on high fat foods, the notion of adding fat purposefully and consciously into my diet not only seemed counter-intuitive, but also scary. However, it’s eliminated the binging and, more importantly, all of the subsequent guilt, self-abuse, and self-ridicule.
And how has this affected the scale, you might be wondering?
Well, I couldn’t tell you, because in addition to ditching the calorie counting, I also have stopped weighing myself. But it appears – by sight, by the fit of my clothes, and by the number on the measuring tape – that Barlean’s claim to be an “approved belly fat cure” may not be as overstated as I originally thought.
Got fat?
Eat Dessert First
Not a first, tonight I opted to have dinner in the form of dessert! Yum!
I swear, about half of my recipes these days comes straight from Gena Hamshaw’s amazing blog, Choosing Raw! Without a doubt, hers are some of the easiest, most beautiful, and most delicious recipes on the web!
Seems hard to believe
Men get peanut butter and pizza sauce while women get flaxseed and tofu?
What’s wrong with this picture?
Though, to tell you the truth, I’d take flaxseed over pizza sauce almost any day of the week!
More to the point, if I were eating meat, I’d certainly take buffalo over oysters!
Getting back on the horse
Filed under: challenges, food, stress eating, struggles, Uncategorized |
Comments (3) Two days ago, I was in the middle of a binge. It was the first one I’d had in months – a quick look at my electronic food diary revealed that the last one happened earlier this year on Monday, March 29.
For that one, I had an excuse, sort of.
If you recall, I was trapped in an airplane and hadn’t had any vegetables to speak of for several days. I went nuts – figuratively and literally on raw flax bread and almond butter.
It wasn’t pretty. And I felt like crap for at least two days after the fact.
This last Thursday, I had no such excuse. Other than I was completely stressed out and instead of choosing to manage my state, I surrendered to (well, in fact, I pretty much invited them in) all of my old standbys. In other words, I stuffed my face and didn’t think to clearly or consciously about what was really going on.
In the space of two hours, I had my lunch, my snack, and four high energy protein bars. Yes, you read that correctly: four. Not one. Not two. Not three. But FOUR! It was really over the top.
What was even more over the top is that I had another one in my hand. And I was actually thinking, “Well, if I eat these other SIX, this will never happen again.”
Thank goodness something – still not sure what it was (unless maybe it was a gag reflex) – snapped me out of it.
My normal routine following such a feeding frenzy would have been to beat myself both mentally and at the gym and probably skip dinner to boot.
This time, I decided to take a different tack. This time, I decided to forgive myself.
In fact, I ate dinner (albeit a very clean dinner of cauliflower rice [dressed with a touch of sesame seed oil and Braggs amino acid] and raw asparagus) and I went to bed, without exercise. It was a conscious choice not to exercise, because I wasn’t sure that I would be able to do it in a way where I wouldn’t be punishing my body for my mind’s bad behavior.
The only thing that I regret about that decision is that I didn’t do yoga – not because of anything to do my body (though one could argue that yoga always does a body good), but because of the potential it would have had for quieting the mind.
The day had been so bad – and there had been so much negative energy thrown at me from so many quarters – when I finally managed to go to sleep, I had nightmares. In fact, they so were bad that I woke Michael J up screaming! (As he pointed out to me the next morning, the reason you do yoga before bed is to calm the negative energy so that you can sleep more restfully.)
Even though I had nightmares – which could have very easily resulted in one or both of us getting a black eye – I did sleep over 10 hours, a sure sign that I needed it.
Yesterday, I decided that I had to get back on the horse.
In other words, no matter how bad the day before had been, there was no excuse for 1) engaging in negative self talk that might lead me back down the previous black hole or 2) continuing to overeat.
In the spirit of nurturing myself (because obviously the binge was my body – if not my mind – crying out for attention), I began to let go of things that were no longer serving me. I canceled all of my appointments that could be canceled without harming someone else, I discharged one of my pressing work obligations, I moved deadlines, I changed the things that I found myself consistently complaining about, and I made sure that I had plenty of fun, healthy food. In fact, in addition to my old favorites, which I may getting a bit bored with actually, I also tried @choosingraw’s Broccoli Hummus recipe, which, I must say, is absolutely divine. (Note: If you’re raw and you’re looking for a hummus recipe that doesn’t have tahini and a ton of olive oil, look no further!)
I also went for a walk and soaked up the sun, choosing to focus on my mental health (I took time out of my walk to watch the neighbors’ horses frolicking in the field) and increasing my Vitamin D than on burning off the calories that I had consumed the day before.
It was a nice gentle day and even though my tummy may be a little bigger than it was three days ago, I (the physical, the mental, and the emotional parts of me) felt loved and nourished.
This morning, I exercised normally and for the first time in a long time it just felt like good, honest exercise. It didn’t feel like I was punishing myself or, worse, like I was mad at my body. It felt good. It felt a lot like what I imagined it must have felt like for those horses who were playing joyously in the sun warmed grass.
Today I feel back to normal.
It took two days to feel physically better after consuming nearly the double of my typical intake of sugar.
It took two days to feel mentally better about the decisions I made (on Thursday) and all of the the ones prior that led up to it.
It took two days to feel emotionally better after coming to terms with the stressors in my life that I had pushed aside up until the point where my body forced me to listen.
Am I glad that I consumed 1,000 calories in less than 20 minutes? Not really.
But I am glad that I realized that the binge was a reflection on the state of my life – as opposed to the state of my body.
And I am glad I realized that there are things that I can do (and, as noted, have already begun to do) to make sure that days like Thursday become fewer and further between.
Wow – binge alert
I am in a full fledged binge. Talk about being far from one’s highest self.
I hope that just putting it out there will break the cycle.
I am going to take a deep breath, jettison some stress, and forgive myself as quickly and with as much heart felt sincerity as I can possibly muster.
Wish me luck.
Finally, a woman who knows how to make a salad!
One of the things I really dislike about trying to eat raw out is the sad definitions that non-raw people have of salads.
Even if you say – without any equivocation whatsoever – that you want a big salad, you’re still likely to get something that looks like something that wouldn’t satiate a six year old.
Indeed, my best results have come when I’ve actually brought my own food (that is, avocados and sunflower seeds) to dress up whatever meager offerings they’ve brought.
My favorite story about trying to order a raw dinner salad is thus:
KJ: I would like a large salad – -I mean huge – with all raw vegetables – anything you have is great. Any and all veggies – as long as it’s raw. Charge me whatever you will. I don’t care if it’s $25.00.
Server: Would you like grilled asparagus?
KJ: No, nothing grilled. Raw asparagus is fine. In fact, it would be great.
Server: You want raw asparagus? As in uncooked? You can’t possibly want that.
KJ: Actually, I do. Raw asparagus would be awesome, in fact.
She looked at me like I had just sprouted raw asparagus from my head!
Salad comes out: no asparagus.
Instead, I am offered a veritable feast of two scant cups of spinach, about a 1/2 cup of broccoli, 4 mushrooms, 4 tomato wedges (not even full quarters), 1/8 cup of grated carrots, and two decorative radishes.
Yum (as an appetizer…maybe).
I whip out my avocado and nuts and the waitress looks downright offended: “We have avocados in the kitchen. Would you like one?”
KJ: “No, I’ll use mine.” What part of any and all fresh vegetables did you not understand?!
Next time, I think I’ll just take a copy of this blog post to show the restaurant industry the difference between a side salad and a dinner salad! It might save everyone a lot of hassle, not to mention a couple of servings of raw indignation.
As if I needed more reasons to eat avocados!
You gotta love the internet!
Avocados, a staple in Mexico and Central and South America, were considered an aphrodisiac by the Aztecs, who called the pear-shaped fruit ahuacate. Avocados were first grown in the U.S. early in 20th century.
In the 1920s, farmers changed the name to avocado because ahuacate was difficult for Americans to pronounce. Worse yet, it is the Aztec word for testicle. As it turns out, the ancient Aztecs may have been onto something!
Just in case you ever need a little extra incentive to dive head first into a bucket of guacamole – I know I certainly don’t – keep reading….
A little less airy fairy and a little more substance
For the last month or so I have not felt much like myself.
It’s been hard to concentrate – to the point that expressing a single, coherent thought sometimes seemed like a challenge. Needless to say, teaching has been quite the experience this term 
I began looking into what’s changed for me recently.
Additional stress? Check.
Getting the recommended 8 hours of sleep? Not at all.
Competing demands in my most salient and committed social roles? You bet.
Changed absolutely everything about my diet (that is going from maybe 30 to 95% raw) in the the last six months? Yep.
Changed my body at a biophysical level? That too.
The weird thing is that I actually feel great. Post the 10 Week Transformation Program with Rose Cole, which included a 31 day cleanse, I have a lot more energy, fewer blood sugar spikes, fewer cravings (except for that week where Michael J and I went on a slight raw honey binge), and when I do sleep, it’s always deep and restful.
So, what could be the problem?
Yesterday, Michael J forwarded me a link to Laura Bruno’s blog. Laura Bruno is a professional intuitive who has helped people deal with cancer, addictions, endocrine imbalances, grief, infections, fibromyalgia, stroke, and weight loss. Her specialties include diet and herbal remedies, menopause, communication, soul readings, illnesses that baffle doctors, dream interpretation, and finding blessings in times of crisis.
I must admit, my initial reaction was you’re a what?! But as I tamped down my skepticism of anything that smacks even remotely of “woo-woo,” the following paragraph practically jumped off the page:
Sometimes raw foodists have a difficult time staying “grounded.” They enjoy the clarity and high of 100% raw food but after awhile start feeling spacey, out of body or generally disconnected from “the real world.” If this describes you, then eating locally can help in two ways. First, if you live in the Northern Hemisphere, you will drastically reduce the amount of airy fairy yin foods in your diet because bananas, coconuts and cacao don’t grow in Pennsylvania or New Hampshire. Or England. Second, eating food grown within 1-50 miles of where you live anchors you to that locale. Raw foodies like to say, “You are what you eat.” Indeed, you are also “Where you eat.” If you have trouble with “Be here now,” try working in some local goodies. It really does help!
Hmph. A professional intuitive? Who knew? I certainly didn’t.
But what I do know now is she’s got one more dedicated reader!
Luckily for me, we’re finally heading into spring in my little corner of the world, so a lot of the foods that I naturally like to eat – kale, chard, etc. – are coming in locally. Hopefully this means that things will start looking up.
However, until spring has fully sprung, I will do my best to start incorporating more macrobiotic principles into the diet – even if it’s something as simple as remembering to better chew my food.
I’ll be sure to keep you posted either way and do my best to keep my head out of the clouds and my feet firmly planted on the ground.
50 Nutrition Tips for Better Brain Functioning
An awesome list of tips for improving brain functioning. Surprised by the coffee and relieved to see all of my favorite spices, from turmeric to cinnamon! Michael J, of course, is feeling particularly smug about the chocolate!
50 Nutrition Tips to Better Your Brain
Everything from tonics to drinks nowadays claims to have fantastic properties. Losing weight, increasing stamina, and even sexual prowess are just some of the claims made by today’s latest wonder drugs. But if looking for a simple brain boost to pass a test, make a presentation, or other task, what are the best ways to naturally increase your brain power?
Below we have gathered 50 nutrition tips to better your brain the all-natural, diet way. They include foods to get lots of, along with options to stay away from.
Read more
Considering I’m off the meat and dairy bandwagon, I did surprising well! How about you?
Hudson News Find
I am traveling again – and hope to have a better day than the last time I took for the skies (it’s not looking all that promising, since I couldn’t find the bus station what I needed to find to actually get to the airport, but the day is young and the skies are blue).
While browsing in one of the many Hudson News magazine stores at Boston Logan, I found – much to my surprise – that they carry raw pistachios and raw almonds. Of course they cost an arm and a leg, but that’s beside the point. It’s good to know that they’re there and available should the need arise.
Unfortunately, Hudson News also carries a lot of other things – like a ton of trashy/pulp novels that I really shouldn’t be reading, as I have plenty of other more serious things that warrant my attention.
However, my goal is to make it through the day without rewarding/comforting myself with food – so light fiction here I come. If I get as little sleep tonight as I got last night, I’ll have plenty of time to get everything done (and then some).
A Quasi-Sociological Take on the Causes of Obesity
Great article on obesity from Marc Ambinder (May 2010 issue of The Atlantic).
If you eat food or know anyone who does, I heartily recommend you check it out!
By 2015, four out of 10 Americans may be obese. Until last year, the author was one of them. The way he lost one-third of his weight isn’t for everyone. But unless America stops cheering The Biggest Loser and starts getting serious about preventing obesity, the country risks being overwhelmed by chronic disease and ballooning health costs. Will first lady Michelle Obama’s new plan to fight childhood obesity work, or is it just another false start in the country’s long and so far unsuccessful war against fat?
Post Easter Brunch Sugar Coma
Let me preface this by saying that I had the most delightful brunch today. I had a wonderful time catching up with friends and family in an environment which was definitely more people focused than food focused, which is such a wondrous change from most holiday gatherings I’ve attended.
Having said that, I also had an important insight that will serve me well as I start adding sugar back into my diet.
Here it goes: have you ever been in a situation where everyone around you – except you – is drunk?
That’s sort of what it felt like today, post-Easter brunch as I watched everyone around me slip into a sugar induced coma.
So, what is a sugar coma?
A sugar coma occurs because you eat too many calories – and too much sugar – in one setting. When this happens, an alarm literally goes off in your body, causing you to secrete insulin. Insulin is a hormone that pulls sugar out of your blood stream and stores it as fat. Insulin, unfortunately, is a rather efficient hormone. One could actually say that it’s too efficient, because insulin doesn’t just get rid of the excess sugar in your blood; it gets rid of all of the sugar in your blood. Then, when you don’t have enough sugar, you get tired, irritable, grumpy, and, let’s not forget hungry, which more often than not sets off another whole cycle of overeating.
Today, after brunch, I watched – like clockwork – as six reasonably healthy adults all pretty much dropped into a sugar coma within an hour (maybe two) of having finished eating. Without exception, every single adult (the kids, interestingly were unaffected; but then again, they’re still at the age where you have to convince them to eat!) started yawning and a couple of them even nodded off in their chairs.
Me, I felt completely energized. Moreover, I was relieved that I had foregone the regularly scheduled meal, despite the fact that it looked and smelled absolutely delicious! And based on the comments and expressions of rapturous delight around me, probably tasted just as good as it looked.
So, what constitutes a “normal” holiday brunch? I think this is a reasonable question, because I realize that my definition of normal is so far outside of the norm these days that it’s probably irrelevant.
This particular one consisted of mimosas, french toast, maple syrup, brioche eggs, spiralized ham, steamed asparagus, and green peas, followed up by a round of tea/coffee and an assortment of cookies and jam. (Actually, this brunch was pretty tame compared to those I remember from childhood, where there undoubtedly would have been some sort of “Easter Cake,” not to mention the infamous “Easter Baskets.”)
Me, I stuck to my aforementioned menu of Sunburst Salad, Black Sesame Bread, and Black Pepper Cheeze.
And though no one joined me in my offerings, as I didn’t choose to join them in theirs, I felt completely comfortable sitting down to break bread and catch up.
I think that the post-brunch-sugar-coma was so noticeable to me this time because I have spent the last month balancing my blood sugar and was therefore completely unperturbed by any rise or fall of blood sugar and, consequently, insulin following my meal. Also, there was nothing in the meal that would have caused my blood sugar to spike in the first place.
In addition to simply having had a wonderful visit with family and friends, today provided a really good reminder for me – as someone who is about to re-enter the world of sugar – to take it slowly (if at all).
As I noted previously, today is the last day of the 21 Day Sugar Detox, so as of tomorrow I can start adding sugar back into my diet. Judiciously.
Lesson from today: when I start adding certain foods back into my diet, I need to think not only about how good it’s going to taste going in, but also how it’s going to make me feel 2 hours, 2 days, and even – believe it or not – 2 years from now.
Does that mean that I won’t get any enjoyment out of my food for the rest of my life? No. But it does mean that I will continue to strive to eat the kind of food (that is, food that I actually do enjoy) that will allow me enjoy my life to its fullest.
Travel Fail
I just recently returned from a very badly planned out trip.
Don’t get me wrong, the trip was great. But the plan could definitely have used some work!
On the one hand, the plan was pretty good in that we packed a ton of raw seed bread, flax crackers, nut butters, and Clearvyte-CR so that we would have lots of good raw food and stay reasonably detoxed, but it was not so great in that we had planned to go to the grocery store upon arrival and buy lots of fresh veggies to supplement all of that fat-heavy – albeit it was the “healthy” fat – food!
Note that I used the word PLANNED.
We arrived late, burned out. We decided to skip the grocery store and scrounge. We did have some veggies – like some sugar snap peas and some baby carrots – but we were definitely short. The conference started the next morning at 8:30 and went long both nights – hence no store.
To make matters worse, my plane left early on Monday and in my hurry to get to the hotel, I left the $7.00 bunch of broccoli that I had finally broke down and bought from the hotel in the fridge – doh! I hate that.
Ostensibly, I was only 247 calories over my daily allotment of calories on Sunday and 500 on Monday, which, if you’re as calorie-crazed, er, conscious as I am, you’ll know that that’s only about 1/5 of a pound worth of extra energy.
However, I felt (last night) and still do (after 5 hours of sleep, an hour of exercise, and 5 hours of work), like complete and utter crap. I feel like there’s a big ball of lard deep inside my gut. I also feel completely clogged up and slightly nauseous.
My mother tried to reassure me that I’d get used to it; heck, that’s the last thing I want!
Chances are I’m feeling particularly bad because of how cleanly we have been eating this month – but it’s not necessarily something that I want to test.
Last night, on my way home from the airport, I stopped at a local grocery store and bought two bags of produce! It was beautiful, glorious, and green. It looked clean. It felt clean. It smelled clean. In fact, it’s not too far of a reach to say that I felt like I was literally being bathed in chlorophyll.
Even though I am still pretty full (it really is surprisingly gross how polluted I feel) I did manage to have a nice raw butternut squash soup, some zucchini, and some turnip for lunch.
Despite it’s still overfull state, my body literally sang~
Tonight, I think I’ll have some Swiss chard.
You probably think I’m kidding, but, seriously, I can’t wait.
And next time, no matter how late I get to where I am going, I will go to the grocery store – come hell or high water.
post script: even though it was a colossal fail on the fresh veggie front, I am proud to report that no sugar crossed these lips! I have five more days on the sugar detox cleanse and so far, so good. So, perhaps I should change the title of the post, because after all it could have been a whole lot worse!
Breaking Fast (and heading into the 21-day Sugar Detox)
Well, the limeade fast is officially over. I got up this morning, did some yoga, had some herbal tea, waited for Michael J to get up, then made the Biotics NutriClear and Rice Protein Shake. I blended in a couple of extra ice cubes to make sure it was chilled, then served it in goblets.
It was okay. But more to the point, it wasn’t limeade! Laugh!
I personally think it’s nothing a little cinnamon and vanilla bean wouldn’t fix (though MJ wants his cacao)! We decided to try it straight the first time and see how long we could last before we start the modifications. Though it’s breaking protocol, we figure anything that doesn’t contain sugar is fair game!
I realized how weak I’ve gotten doing yoga this morning. It was tough and it used to be something I could breeze through. I think I may add a couple of different exercise routines in during the day, keeping them short and sweet until I get my strength back.
I tell you sitting down to break-fast will never have the same meaning again!
Nine down, one more to go!
Yes, I’m still alive after 8 days of limeade cleansing!
The most incongruous part of this whole process has, ironically, not been the complete absence of food, but my workout shoes that have laid untouched next to the Nordic Track. I can’t even remember the last time I’ve gone 8 – 9 days without exercise.
Now granted, I have done some light yoga (barefoot) and walked from my car to the office (in my regular shoes), but there’s been no sustained activity.
I figure there will be plenty time for that next week, however, as I attempt to restart my metabolism, which has surely slowed during this process.
The next eleven days will be interesting, because, believe it or not, we’re not done!
Tomorrow – while I’m still on the green juice – will involve food prep. Again, it was a shock to open the dishwasher for the first time in a week and see, lo and behold, dishes! Not to mention the forgotten feel of a fork in my hand. I remember laughing with Penni Shelton, the founder of Raw Food Rehab said, when starting her juice feast, “Sometimes it’s a good idea to just step away from the fork for a while.” I think she might be on to something.
Then, from Monday March 15 to Wednesday March 24, we’re on a ten day deep liver cleanse, which introduces some food, but not a lot.
Breakfast – 2 scoops of NutriClear and 1 scoop of rice protein powder and a package of detox supplements.
Lunch – a clean meal (meaning nothing with anything that even remotely looks like sugar) and another pack of supplements.
Snack – 2 scoops of Nutriclear and 1 scoop of rice protein powder.
Dinner – a clean meal (again, no sugar) and yet another pack of supplements.
Personally, I think this is going to be more challenging than the limeade fast, because at least with the limeade you could get a sugar hit every 10 minutes – whether you needed it or not.
However, I am thrilled to be back in the kitchen tomorrow. First up: Ani Phyo’s Black Sesame Sunflower Bread!
Then, between March 25 – April 3, even though we will be on regular meals (that is, no more Nutriclear and Rice Protein Powder shakes for breakfast and snack) we’ll still be sugar free.
Let me tell you, the term spring cleaning has taken on a whole new meaning at Camp Living Lively!
The importance of planning ahead
Filed under: challenges, food, raw food, strategies, travel, Uncategorized |
Leave a Comment I am going to be traveling again and the first thing I thought: what am I going to eat?
Instead of stressing about it too much, I just asked for what I need. It worked pretty well last time, so I thought I might try it again.
First things first, I asked the very helpful person who has been coordinating my upcoming visit if she could take me a to a grocery store immediately upon landing. This is imperative, as I typically travel with a blender – a travel blender at that – and love making green smoothies in my hotel rooms. I find that if I start the day off normally – well, as normally as anyone who drinks spinach, broccoli, red pepper, carrots, cayenne pepper and pear for breakfast can – then the rest of the day will go that much smoother. Of course she said yes.
Second, even though I am the keynote speaker at a banquet (hence the invitation to travel), I asked that a special meal be prepared: a large plate of uncooked vegetables or a large salad. No problem, she assured me. Now, who knows what the quality of the veggies will be, but that’s why it’s important to make sure I have snacks and high quality produce in my room for after the event.
Third, there are people who want to take me out to dinner when I get there – presumably after the trip to the grocery store and before the main event (which is the next day). When asked if I had any preferences, I simply said that i was currently on a raw vegan diet and that anywhere where I could get a big salad and perhaps an avocado – or at least someplace that wouldn’t object if I brought my own – then I was golden.
This is what she sent back, saying that it wasn’t raw, but she was sure they would accommodate.
Looking at the menu – particularly the appetizers and the salads – I think I may be the one to accommodate.
Given that the definition of High Raw is 80% raw or more, I think I’ll be okay. Meanwhile, that Cauliflower Miso is calling my name….
The moral of this story: I used to be really concerned about asking for what I need. I used to think that I was being bothersome or troublesome. What I’ve found as I have practiced this – and not been so apologetic about it – is that people are happy to help. But it helps if you’ve done your research. If you’re going to go visit someplace new, find out what the options are ahead of time. I lucked out, because my colleague happened to know about The Vegiterranean.
And for those of you who are traveling to a new place, without the benefit of helpful hosts, the internet is your friend. It’s amazing what you can find – and where you can find it – in just a few minutes on-line.
A Moment of Recognition and Appreciation
Michael J and I stopped at a local coop and had dinner there.
While I munching happily away on my salad of spinach, carrots, tomatoes, broccoli, raw sun flower seeds, red cabbage, and sprouts, this young girl – about 11 – walked in and sat down a little to the right of and behind our table.
She was tall and thin and wearing track pants and your typical I’m almost in middle school high zippered hoodie. Though unlike most 11 year olds I know (and unlike I was at that age) she was completely comfortable in her own skin and completely unbothered about sitting down in a coop cafe for a snack – alone.
She was carrying a beautiful chocolate cupcake (not unlike the one pictured here, though with a little less frosting) and a Synergy drink (or, rather, a Kombucha). I’d link you to their website, but the link is apparently down.
According to Wikipedia, for those of you who have never tried one:
Kombucha is a fermented tea that is imbibed for medicinal purposes. Although there is limited specific scientific information supporting any purported benefits and a lack of studies being conducted, much anecdotal information purporting its historical medicinal value has been reported.[1] Kombucha is available commercially, but can be made at home by fermenting tea using a visible solid mass of microorganisms called a kombucha culture or mushroom.
My favorite brand is GT’s. My favorite is the green one (of course) and Michael J favors the ginger – no surprise there either, now that I think about it.
But I digress.
This girl, with the chocolate cupcake and her Kombucha, lifted the cupcake off of the saucer and lifted it to her face. Then, she paused. Took a deep breath and savored the aroma of delicacy.
It was truly beautiful. And so mindful that it made me embarrassed of how I sat down and mindlessly attacked my salad without fully appreciating the color, the beauty, the scent, or the texture.
I watched her enjoy a few bites before setting it back down on the saucer and start the long, careful process of opening her Kombucha.
As I finished my salad and walked away I wondered if she would even finish the cupcake and thought that of all of the 11 year old girls I’ve ever seen, she’s the one I would say is at the lowest risk of – if not obesity – a life long struggle with food.
I hope she enjoyed her snack.
For Your Viewing Pleasure: Two On The Industrial Food Complex
If you’re at all interested in the politics behind where you get your food, you really can’t afford to miss these two videos! They’re not as graphic as Food, Inc. or King Corn, but they’re incredibly informative.
The first is Jamie Oliver at TED 2010 (21 min). And while I’m here, all of the TED talks are good. If you haven’t checked them out, you’re missing out. I’ve yet to watch one where I wasn’t completely blown away!
The second is Michael Pollen on Democracy Now (59 min). If you’re reading this blog, I assume that you know who he is, but if not, get more information about Pollen here!
I think that the thing that surprised me the most out of these two talks is their treatment of school food! Because I don’t have kids, I don’t think about school lunch programs; but if you have a kid, you can’t afford not to.
If you need an idea for Valentine’s Day….
Filed under: cooking, cultural, food, Holidays, raw food, recipes |
Leave a Comment …or just any old excuse to make chocolate, these may just be your answer!
I made these tonight and I must say that Michael J was particularly appreciative of my efforts in the kitchen.
If you don’t have heart shaped ice trays, they are available – as is everything else you could possibly ever imagine and then some – at Amazon.
