Sun (& Snow!)

Today was a gorgeous winter day and we took advantage of it by heading up to Gatineau Park.  It was my first time on snowshoes this season since breaking my leg, but Mark promised to keep the pace slow and go easy on me.  Oh, and no hills.

Does this look flat to you?  Notice how I’m holding onto branches for support?

Yes, we did a couple of  hills (am I that surprised?), and although the titanium bolt rubbed against my ankle the whole time, it felt amazing to get out in the woods again.  Nothing quite like fresh air, nature and exercise – the perfect combination for everyone!  The sun felt spectacular - I even took my hat off! 

today’s food log:

• 3 ozs E3live
• lemon water
• micro algae
• 1/2 avocado with sprouts and sauerkraut
• a few pieces of banana brittle (leftovers from my class!)
• chlorella tablets
• green juice (sprouts, celery, cucumber, burdock)
• spinach soup
• kale salad

yesterday’s food log:

• 3 ozs Brain On
• firewater
• bio superfood
• Schinoussa Sea vegetables in water
• 4 ozs Brain On
• small bowl of Spring Pea Pate (leftovers from my workshop)
• Sea Vegetable Salad (Zen Kitchen)
• Raw taster’s plate (from Zen Kitchen)
• Kale Chips (leftovers from my workshop)

Last night Mark & I went out on our first date since our anniversary back in September.  We chose the same restaurant both times as we knew Zen Kitchen wouldn’t disappoint.  For those in the Ottawa area, Caroline & Dave’s Zen Kitchen is a fabulous little vegan restaurant that also offers 3 raw choices:  Land & Sea Vegetable salad with daikon, red cabbage and sesame dressing; an orange marble pie; and Zen’s raw sampler of stuffed grape leaves, cashew tziziki, sushi, beets and spicy tomato dip.  The sushi was our favorite (Mark of course enjoyed dessert) but as someone who eats mostly greens, I found the combination rather hard on my digestion.  Personally, I’d prefer having only one entree with a salad, and I’ll definitely request this next time around.  All in all, it was a lovely dinner in a great ambiance, and I highly recommend this  upscale restaurant — at Zen you feel like you’ve been transported out of Ottawa for a romantic evening away!

Warming up with raw foods

Warming up with Raw Foods

It happens every year: the days become shorter, the weather drops to extreme temperatures and after the first big snowfalls of the season, the novelty wears off.  Many of us are spending less time outdoors being active and more time inside loading up on starchy foods. Socializing on the town with friends is no longer as appealing as cozying up on the couch in front of the television. It’s easy to slip into a rut, where spring feels like a long way off.  Did I mention that we’re also terribly cold?

Winter in the north can leave a chill for even the heartiest of us. With the lack of sunlight and accumulation of time spent indoors, it’s not surprising that we’d rather hibernate – or escape south – until spring time. During the winter months, people often feel run down and low on energy, but it needn’t be this way. There are plenty of ways to thrive and enjoy the winter season – it’s just a matter of changing habits and breaking out of the isolation that often comes with the colder weather.

An essential part of staying healthy has to do with nutrition: our food choices have a direct effect on our body, and what we eat affects our mental and emotional health just as much as our physical health.

As a raw foodist of 20 years, I often get asked how to eat raw and stay warm during the winter. Typically, it can be challenging to stay raw this time of year – especially when first transitioning to the lifestyle.  Eating salads in the depths of winter can seem unappealing, but eating raw doesn’t mean your food has to be cold!  Nor does it mean that you have to be all raw in order to achieve optimal health!  The aim is to eat a large proportion of your food raw in order to obtain substantial nutrition. Even a lower percent raw food diet is far better than one containing little or no raw foods!   Of course, the more fresh raw vegetables and fruits you eat, the greater the health benefits! 

Below are a few winter tips that will help take the chill off – whether you’re an experienced raw foodist or simply want to have more warmth and vitality in your life!

• Start your day with SimplyRaw’s Firewater.  Fresh lemon juice mixed with warm water and cayenne is excellent for getting the circulation going and warming the body in the morning.
• Make raw soups. Blended raw soups are very comforting.  I love adding jalapeno and cayenne for some heat!
• Spice it up!  There are plenty of spices that help warm the body.  A few personal favorites are cayenne, chili peppers, jalepeno, garlic, ginger, curry, cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, mustard, cloves.
• Remove food from the refrigerator ahead of time and warm to room temperature before eating to take the chill off. 
• Lightly warm your food.  Raw foods can be warmed, without losing their nutritious properties. Place raw soups in the dehydrator or on the stove at a low temperature for a few minutes until warm to the touch.
• Drink herbal teas If you’re feeling chilled at work or at home, heat up some water, steep some herbal leaves and sip away! 
• Sprout it! Sprouts are easy to grow in your own kitchen all year round.  They are a power house of nutrition, are extremely economical, and give your body the energy to get moving!
• Add healthy fats to your diet.  Avocados, olives, nuts, and seeds can be added to salads to keep your metabolism revved up and give you a feeling of satiety.
• Experiment in the kitchen! Try out some fun raw recipes to replace those not-so- healthy favorites. There are plenty of raw resources online as well as locally. (see http://www.simplyraw.ca for easy recipes and fun workshops)
• Move your body!  Exercise regularly to keep the circulation and lymphatic system moving.  Winter sports are a great way to beat the winter blues, enjoy some fresh air, and stay active and fit simultaneously.  Or how about a hot yoga class to get the body moving and warmed up? Nothing beats exercise!
• Bathe with ginger. Sprinkle ginger powder in your nightly bath, along with Epsom salts for a very soothing and warming effect.
• Get inspired! Take a raw food prep class or join one of SimplyRaw’s monthly potlucks in the Glebe.  (see www.simplyraw.ca for details)
• Dress Warmer!  It sounds obvious, but it’s true. Treat yourself to a comfy pair of bamboo socks and an extra cuddly fleece sweater.  Layer up and go play in the snow!
• Invest in a hot water bottle:  What can I say other than I just love my hotwater bottle – and use it most winter days! 

today’s food log:

• 4 ozs E3live
• firewater
• chlorella tablets
• micro algae
• 1 quart of green juice (sprouts, broccoli, cucumber, celery, burdock)
• 1/2 avocado with sauerkraut and dulse
• blended spinach soup (spicy!)
• 1/2 piece of SimplyRaw Cheesecake (available at most local health food stores)

yesterday’s log:

• 3 ozs E3live
• cup of firewater
• pineapple juice with spirulina
• 1 quart green juice (sprouts, zuccini, cucumber, celery, jerusalem artichokes)
• mixed green salad with cucumbers, avocado, sprouts and olives
• blended kale soup with homemade corn chips
• nori sheets
• homemade brownie

So bundle up and come out to tonight’s potluck!

Happy New Year!

The Christmas season has come and gone, and many of us are now experiencing the proverbial post-holiday belt loosening. Chances are no matter how good ones intentions are, you’ve had a few extra servings of your holiday favorites.  The holidays are a special time to gather around the table with friends and family, and there’s certainly nothing wrong with that. Food is a central part of the Christmas season, with anticipated traditional meals and old family recipes invoking warm childhood memories and merry temptations. Unfortunately, the majority of people spend the holidays indulging non-stop, snacking incessantly on rich and sugary foods, and not being mindful of eating patterns. Coupled with lack of exercise, the effects of the festive season can quickly lead to sluggishness, low energy, poor digestion, emotional ups and downs, and a bigger waistline.

Eating healthy during the holidays can be difficult, but getting back on track can be even more difficult. And the longer we’ve fallen into the trap of unhealthy eating, the harder it is to break those habits – despite our well-intended New Year resolutions! In fact, many people continue to eat unhealthy long after the holiday season has come to an end.

So what do you do if the holiday season has knocked your health habits out whack? First of all, there’s no need to be feel guilty – just because you indulged over the holidays isn’t a license to send you into a downward  spiral. Simply accept that you strayed and move forward. Don’t get discouraged – we’re all human and everyone has slip-ups. And remember, there’s a difference between slipping up and giving up. Learn from your experience and return to your healthy eating immediately – regardless of what day of the week or hour it is. Try not to dwell on negative experiences!            

Below are a few suggestions to implement into your daily routine. You’ll be surprised how small changes will lead to a healthier, happier you!

1. Keep a food/mood journal and above all, don’t get hungry. Snack on fresh fruit and veggies dipped in raw pate, hummus or guacamole.   
2. Replace unhealthy foods with healthier alternatives. Stock up on fresh produce and if you’re eating grains, make sure that they are gluten-free. (millet, quinoa, buckwheat, amaranth)
3. Begin your day with a cup of water (warm or cold) and the juice of a lemon.  This alkalinizing drink is very cleansing and good for the liver
4. Increase your daily intake of water to at least 8 glasses of water each day.  Ideally 1/2 your body weight in ounces.
5. Eat light in the morning to assist with the body’s natural cleansing cycle. Fruit, fresh juices and green smoothies make excellent breakfasts.
6. Have a large green salad with lunch and dinner.  Make it your centerpiece. Chew each mouthful thoroughly.
7. Drink at least one fresh green smoothie every day. (read “The SimplyRaw Living Foods Detox Manual” for lots of simple recipes)
8. Get juicing!  Juicing is the best way to get plenty of vegetables into the body. 
9. Add algae to your diet. Algae are rich sources of vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, antioxidants and amino acids.
10. Take probiotics (with acidophilus and bifidus) daily to assist with digestion and keep bad bacteria under control.
11. Take plant-based digestive enzymes with meals to assist with digestion and assimilation.
12. Get moving! Find activities that you enjoy and get outside in the fresh air every day  Yes, even the snow! Not only does exercise stimulate the lymphatic system, it boosts your metabolism and circulation. It also makes you feel good.
13.  Sweat it out! An infrared sauna is an excellent method for eliminating toxins from the body. It helps soothe sore muscles and energizes the entire body.
14.  Never go to bed on a full stomach. Not only will your sleep be affected and digestion compromised, but you’ll wake up tired and foggy.  For optimal digestion, try not to eat after 7pm.
15. Go to bed by 10. During sleep, the body cleanses and repairs itself. Aim for at least 8 hours of sleep each night.
16. Cleanse your body at least twice a year.  Give your digestive organs a much needed rest. “The SimplyRaw Living Foods Detox” focuses on nourishing plant foods and life-enhancing practices to both cleanse and rejuvenate the body. See www.simplyraw.ca for January’s guided detox session.  (group & private)

I  like to ring  in the New Year with a brief juice or water  fast to cleanse my palate.  This year, I’m doing a simple juice fast of mostly green juices and herbal teas for 7 or so days.  Typically, I keep my winter fasts at 3 days but I’m feeling the need to give my digestion a rest a little longer this year. During the holidays, I spent too much time  in the kitchen creating new recipes – including an assortment of rich and decadent chocolates for Mark who quite fancies chocolate – or anything sweet, for that matter.  The combination of cacao and cacao butter really threw my body off balance -  my digestion became impaired, I felt sluggish, and I broke out for the first time in decades!  That’ll teach me! 

Chocolate Goji Chocolates

 While fasting, it’s important to rest to allow the body to focus its resources on healing so I’ve been kicking back a bit and just taking it easy. I’m also enjoying being able to finally run again after breaking my leg (even if on the treadmill for shorter distances)  and of course, i’m putting copious hours in my sauna!  :)

Here’s to continued health, happiness, prosperity, peace, and friendship in 2010!

today’s juice log:

• 2 ozs E3live
• 1 glass warm firewater
• 1 cup oatstraw-horsetail tea
• chlorella powder mixed with water
• Vitamineral green mixed with water
• green juice (burdock, celery, alfalfa, sunflower sprouts and jerusalem artichokes)
• oatstraw-horsetail tea
• nettle tea
• water

yesterday’s log:

• 4 ozs e3live
• cup of warm firewater
• 1 glass of spirulina in water
• chlorella
• nettle tea
• green juice (burdock, celery, broccoli, alfalfa, jerusalem artichokes, zuccini)
• oatstraw-horsetail tea
• water

Best of Raw 2009

The annual Best of Raw competition is currently in full swing, celebrating and honoring the key players in the raw vegan food movement.

Natasha has been nominated under the categories of Educator, Chef, and Sexiest Woman; and The SimplyRaw Detox Manual was nominated for best book.  SimplyRaw was also nominated for the caterer/festival food booth vendor category.

We’d love your help to recognize the ongoing efforts of Natasha to help people improve their health through the raw lifestyle; and to help put Ottawa more prominently on the raw map!

Voting is open until Dec 29 at midnight, so please head over there and Vote Now!

All the best for the holidays & new year!

Mark

Raw balance

There are many health benefits  that come with eating foods in their most natural state: we experience an increase in energy levels, our digestion improves, excess weight falls off naturally, we’re happier, less sick, experience fewer hot flashes, and we get a special glow to our skin & sparkle in our eyes.  But let’s face it —being raw (& staying raw) is a challenge for the majority of people.  Social pressures, poor planning, time restraints,  temptations, old habits, cravings, and emotional eating are all too common, and it takes a great deal of commitment and will power to stick with the lifestyle.

When I began my raw journey in the late 80’s, very few people knew about the lifestyle, and I felt isolated as a result.  Macrobiotics (mostly cooked and heavy on brown rice ) was popular at the time, and I was often criticized for my way of eating. Quite literally, I was going against the grain.  I’ll never forget when I first got internet connection around 1995  - suddenly I had access to a whole new world and I quickly became part of a small community online.  Having social support (even remotely) made all the difference in my raw journey: I was no longer alone!  Finally I was able to share my experiences, challenges, and questions freely and listen to other people’s experiences!  Being the mid 90’s, there were only a few raw websites and groups, and the original yahoo groups had such interesting characters  including Douglas Graham (mono man), Loren Lockman, Rene Beresford, JR Ellis, Karen Knowler, Ruth Allen, John Coleman, Shazzie and many others.  Packaged raw goodies were non-existant at the time so it was a real treat to order the occasional raw product via my computer. I’ll never forget my first jar of raw almond butter sent from rawfood.com - the only online store at the time.  And at $25. CDN per jar, I made sure to dilute my nut butter with water to stretch it out as much as possible.

Nowadays, packaged raw snacks are readily available not only online but in most local health food stores. These convenient foods offer fun and variety to the lifestyle which in turn makes the lifestyle easier to sustain - especially in the early stages.  Unfortunately, many raw foodists become trapped in over-eating the wrong types of foods (dehydrated crackers, bars, desserts, kale chips, nuts, seeds and of course, chocolate) while overlooking the fresh, unpackaged, true raw superfoods.  Living foods such as sprouts, wheatgrass, fermented vegetables, leafy greens and algae are the foundation of the lifestyle and should always be an integral part of the diet.  These are the foods rich in the vitamins, minerals, enzymes and oxygen essential for nourishing the body.

The raw lifestyle is about  freshness, and no matter what your current diet is, fresh is always best.  That’s not to say that one shouldn’t indulge now and again - it’s just a matter of balance.

todays food log:

• 4 ozs e3live
• firewater
• chlorella tablets
• bone tea (oat straw, horsetail, comfrey)
• 1 heaping TBSP Schinoussa in 16 ounces of water
• 1 quart green juice (sunflower sprouts, alfalfa, pea shoots, zucchini, celery, jerusalem artichoke)
• 1 quart green smoothie (sunflower, kale, orange, banana, soaked chia, parsley)
• broccoli dipped in tahini sauce
• 1/2 avocado with sauerkraut
• blended green soup
• micro algae superfood

yesterday’s food log:

• 2 ozs e3live
• chlorella tablets
• firewater
• 1 apple
• 1 quart green juice (alfalfa, buckwheat, sunflower sprouts, celery, kale, jerusalem artichoke)
• 1 quart green smoothie (spinach, pear, parsley, soaked chia, flax)
• bone tea (oat straw, comfrey, horsetail)
• 1 heaping TBSP Schinoussa sea veg in 16 ozs. of water
• blended green soup
• cauliflower, wakame salad with tahini dressing
• slice of raspberry lemon cheesecake

Mmmm  …   raspberry cheesecake

(available now at Market Organics, Herb & Spice and Rainbow Foods)

The Women’s Show, a room with a view, and SimplyRaw Desserts (coming soon!)

I took the train down to Toronto to participate in the National Women’s Show which is taking place over the weekend.  Held at the Convention Center, the Women’s show attracts thousands (and I mean thousands!) of women every day, promoting everything from food, skin care, “fat burners”, fitness equipment, bikinis, spa treatments, clothing,  jewelery, makeup, botox (!), as well as lots of food demos and speakers. The lineups start early and wrap around the Convention Center hours before the doors open.  

Out of the hundreds of booths, there are only a few healthy vendors and we tend to know each other: Manitoba Harvest, Vega, Lara Bar and Schinoussa Sea Vegetables – who I am so fortunate to be sharing space with.  John – my very fun & charismatic friend and formulator of Schinoussa brings his large bags of algae (spirulina, AFA, chlorella,  phycomin) and we all dip into his beautiful green stash, sipping his concentrated superfood concoctions throughout the day to keep us flying.  Wow!  Amazing stuff!

I’m staying at the lovely Harborfront Westin Hotel and after 12 hour days on my feet, it’s a real  treat to come in, put my feet up and gaze out at the harbor below. My room is spacious and view spectacular —worth every hard-working penny!  Especially since we got  it at an amazingly low rate  after hearing about Priceline from my good friend Ilze who frequently uses their services.  Priceline auctions off unsold hotel rooms, and provided that you’re flexible, it’s s a great way to save $ when booking hotels.  You select an area in which you’d like to stay, then chose a quality level (I chose 4 star)  and then name your price!  Priceline then lets you know whether your bid has been accepted by hotels that meet your criteria.  This was the first time that we ever bid for a room (& our first bid was denied) but certainly not the last!  I’m so enjoying my view  (I’m on the 22nd floor overlooking Toronto island)  and it’s a pleasure to just hang out in my hotel room!

With an upcoming recipe book, I’m spending less time on the computer and more time in the kitchen -  preparing beautiful and delicious sweets – much to Mark’s content!    My desserts have always been a huge hit – not only with Mark & Mischa, but with non-raw friends and family. When I recently posted a few cheesecake photos on Facebook, it created quite the frenzy, prompting many emails and requests.  And although I personally avoid dense foods (& kitchens!) as much as possible, I’m recognizing the need for decadent but healthy (raw) desserts.  So, if you’re in Ottawa, be on the lookout for SimplyRaw’s luscious, guilt-free desserts and be sure to try a piece! Limited quantities will be available at select health food stores (Market Organics, Rainbow Natural Foods, Herb & Spice) beginning next week! 

today’s food log:

• 4 ozs e3live
• micro algae
• firewater
• Schinoussa Sea Vegetables
• 1 apple
• 1 banana
• fresh green smoothie (orange, Vitamineral green, chia, flax)
• soaked arame with sunflower & alfalfa sprouts
• chlorella tabs
• celery w/almond butter
• more algae!

yesterday’s food log:

• 4 ozs e3live
• micro algae
• chlorella
• firewater
• 2 TBSP Schinoussa Sea Vegetables (in water)
• chlorella/spirulina
• 2 apples
• 1 banana
• avocado with soaked arame and lots of sprouts
• chlorella tablets
• more Schinoussa

I’ve also been busy with various events around Ottawa and Montreal, and quite enjoyed socializing at the Wine Auction- of all things!  Although there was the standard finger foods of smoked salmon, crackers and cheese, people loved my fresh, colorful raw appetizers – including Mayor O’Brien.  Mr O & I met the week before and he is becoming  familiar with the raw lifestyle and The SimplyRaw Detox Manual.  As you may know, he picked up my book a few weeks back and promises to read it through.  Perhaps he’ll take the leap and do my full program!  Who knows?  

Autumn abundance, sea vegetables, and — look who’s reading my book!

Autumn is here: apples, root vegetables and peppers are in full swing , there’s a nip in the air and we’re seeing the beginning of fall colors.  Soon the leaves will fall to the ground and only the silhouette of trees will remain …   As much as I love this time of year, I find autumn a difficult season to acclimatize to with the shorter days, crisp nights and premonition of winter.  Canadian summers are too brief (& cool) for my liking but on a positive note, the fruit flies are finally taking leave!

I’m pretty much back to my normal routine although at a slightly slower pace, teaching classes again (check out the new workshops), going to the gym more frequently and making my way without a cast or crutches!  According to the surgeon, my bones are 100 percent healed and with some regular physio for my ligaments/tendons/muscles, I will to be running in no time! I have a lot of catching up to do and I’m counting on my new bionic leg to take me further faster!    Ah, it feels so good to be active and somewhat social again – to ride my bike, stroll in the Glebe, connect with friends and be part of the community is just so rewarding!

Recently, I’ve been busy with shows including this weekend’s popular Women’s Show.  The event was non-stop jam-packed. Many thanks to lovely Martine who offered to help with my booth and hang out with me both days. And, such a treat to be directly next to my friend John, formulator of Schinoussa Sea Vegetables. Schinoussa sea vegetables are a blend of the most powerful raw superfoods – algaes!  Sea vegetables are extremely high in vitamins and minerals, offering great nutritional value to the body. They should be part of one’s daily diet. Schinoussa’s formulas purify and pump up your energy, immune system, as well as naturally repairs damaged cells.  As you can see, John travels with big bags of  powerful manna which he generously shared with me – my kind of friend and green powder.    We dipped in to his stash throughout the day, and boy oh boy, our energy and mood levels soared to extraordinary heights despite being on our feet 10 hours straight every day!

We spoke to thousands of people over the course of the weekend, many who were genuinely interested in healthy living, the raw lifestyle, detoxification, and my book. The SimplyRaw Living Foods Detox Manual is not just a temporary detox program but teaches healthy lifestyle guidelines that can be integrated into anyone’s life.  Let’s face it — we can ALL improve our health by eating more fresh raw fruits and vegetables.

Everyone including …

Ottawa’s Mayor O’Brien!

FYI, Mr. O’Brien is holding both my book and a bottle of Schinoussa sea vegetables.

Today’s food log:

• 2 ozs. e3live
• firewater
• Bio Superfood formula
• 1 heaping tsp. Schinoussa Sea vegetables mixed with water
• 1 apple
• 1 liter green juice (pea shoots, sunflower sprouts, cucumber, celery, broccoli)
• 1 bowl of Energy Soup
• bowl of concord grapes
• sprouted cereal with chia, apple and soaked raisins

yesterday’s food log:

• 4 ozs E3live
• biosuperfood (BSF) formula 3
• chlorella tablets
• firewater
• Schinoussa sea vegetables with purified water
• 1 liter fresh green smoothie (pea shoots, spinach, banana, sunflower sprouts, chia, water)
• bowl of concord grapes
• handful of soaked brazil nuts
• a few soaked apricots
• Schinoussa sea vegetables w/purified water
• large mixed green salad w/lots of sprouts and garlic
• 1 avocado

Our next SimplyRaw Festival volunteer meeting is on Tuesday, October 13 @ 6pm.  We need your help to make this free community event possible.  Please contact us at 613-234-0806 or email us at festival@simplyraw.ca

2010 SimplyRaw Festival Planning

On Wednesday September 16th at 7pm we’ll be having our first planning meeting for the 2010 SimplyRaw Festival.

The festivals have continued to grow from year-to-year, starting in 2006 with a small 1/2 day pie contest; to a full day festival in 2007; and a 2-day festival in 2008.

We’ve been thankful to have some great help in the past, and again hope that lots of people will join us to help in planning the festival. There’s so much work that goes into it, that we really need the help from a core group of people to tackle some of the planning tasks.

If you would like to be involved with (or lead) working groups for any of the following, please join us this Wed for the first planning meeting.

2010 SimplyRaw Festival planning workgroups:
- speakers
- vendors
- sponsors
- prizes/product donations
- pie contest
- celebrity judges

We’ll be discussing the details of each of these core tasks during our planning meeting, so please try to join us if you can, or let us know asap if you’re interested in leading or helping with any of the above tasks.

Touring Vermont & Roger’s Daytime Show!

August is turning into an eventful month and it feels so good to be back on my feet & into the swing of things. I’m making great strides with my leg and am very pleased to be walking without crutches. A few more weeks and I ditch the air cast…

The month started off with one of my favorite green shows – the 3 day Project Ecosphere where I gave a food demo and had a booth under the large tent. I’m ever grateful to friends Peter, Zora, Hal, Marcia, Claire, Cecile, Kristin, Joanna & Susan who helped with the SimplyRaw booth and made the weekend possible.  Mark was off in the woods so Icouldn’t have done it without all of your help. Thank you so much, I appreciate it!

We shared lots of laugh, sprouts and entertainment!

The following weekend, Mark & I spent 4 beautiful, sunny days in my favorite  neighboring green mountain state.

Vermont holds a dear place in my heart.  My European parents used to take my siblings and I to Stowe in the early 70’s and I have fond memories of hiking up the mountain, cooling off in the bubbling stream and eating at the Trapp family restaurant.

I didn’t hike this time round (still have the cast on), but while Mark explored lush green mountains, I had my own fun signing books at various locations in the Burlington area. Burlington is lovely city full of art, music, theater and summer festivals — it also has a great natural food coop and farmer’s market-  the ideal town to play around in!

It was very cool to see my books on the US shelves! 

We saw dozens of them displayed in Border’s window!

We also dropped in on Vermont’s  raw potluck hosted by lovely Geniel and her husband in their gorgeous country home. It was a treat for us to meet others in the raw community and we thoroughly enjoyed chatting with friendly, like-minded people over a  meal of life-giving foods. A great big thanks to Geniel, Linda and Josh for helping promote the  event.  Mark & I made many new friends — and we were very impressed with everyone’s warmth and openness.  Joyce & Scott brought a delicious raspberry lemon pie which everyone raved about.  Apparently Joyce loves spending time in the kitchen and you sure can tell!  Hopefully she’ll enter the SimplyRaw pie contest next year!

It was also great to  finally see my friend, Linda after 4 years –and to meet her beautiful family. Linda runs VT fiddle and is very connected in the VT community.  She teaches workshops & classes, and her & hubby Matt make nutmilk bags as well as decadent chocolate truffles and other raw yummies. They’re working on getting a raw cafe underway so if you’re in the Vermont area, be sure to stop by!

Good friends, new & old (Joyce, me, Linda) and not enough time to really hang out.  Hopefully next time!

Sunflowers everywhere 

Today’s food log:

• 4 ozs e3live
• Biosuperfood formula 13
• E3live RenewMe
• bowl of fresh raspberries
• quart of green juice
• bowl of grapes
• watermelon slices

yesterday’s log:

• 4 ozs e3live
• firewater
• chlorella tablets
• 4 ozs e3live
• green juice (parsley, kale, cucumber, celery)
• tomato-sprout- cucumber salad
• piece of raw carrot cake ( recipe from my book, The SimplyRaw Living Foods detox Manual)

Yesterday,  I joined TV hosts TL & Derick on their Daytime show.  As always, we had a fun &  rawlicious time discussing my book, making my famous carrot cake — and tasting it, of course!   Here’s my mom (&  food stylist) decorating the cake in the studio moments before going on air.

We’re off to Ithaca tomorrow with the kids for another book tour and hiking trip — more fun!

Balance = Healing

Excellent news — I’ve just had new x-rays taken today and I’m elated to say that my bones are mending exceptionally well!

What a massive improvement since my last x-rays 2 months ago,  check out my spiffy bionic leg with the new titanium rod and screws!!! The surgeon is impressed with my progress and I am extremely relieved…

Since breaking my leg (nearly 3 months ago!), I’ve been doing as much as possible to help my body along; consuming copious amounts of herbs (comfrey-horsetail-oatstraw) and algae to aid knit my bones, eating/juicing extra sprouts and greens, and exercising my very stiff leg each day, no matter how painful.  And I recently discovered a salt pool and jacuzzi at the Jewish Community Center so I am happily doing laps & stretches in the warm water which really helps loosen up my joints and tendons.  Ah, it feels wonderful to move my body after such a long hiatus away. Thank you, Jason, for informing me of this salt pool, I so appreciate it!

I’ve also been enjoying time with family and friends, young and old, at the Blues fest again, and although it was a rainy year, it was a awesome to get outdoors, listen to some tunes, share laughs and exercise my leg, walking from stage to stage! Very good for the emotional body

The human body is a marvelous self-healing mechanism. It  is self-repairing on a continual basis, always striving to bring itself back to balance. We all possess this built-in ability – it is our body’s basic nature. And, if we give it what we needs, the body will almost always heal itself of whatever ails it. Even the greatest surgeon can’t heal a broken leg – he may  insert a titanium rod into the bone to provide a structure or place the leg in a cast, but all he can do is stand by and give the body time to work its own innate healing processes.

Providing the body with key ingredients are essential in building the immune system, organs and the miraculous self healing mechanism. Eating well, exercising regularly, getting adequate fresh air, pure water, sunlight,  rest, and managing stress are the building materials in keeping the body’s cells strong and healthy.  Never underestimate the human body – it WILL heal itself – if we allow it!  To learn how to integrate healthier lifestyle habits, check out my book, “The SimplyRaw Living Foods Detox Manual” and do my group or private detox for a life-changing experience!

Today’s food log:

• 2 ozs E3live
• chlorella
• firewater
• bowl of cherries
• 1 quart green juice (sunflower, alfalfa, pea sprouts, romaine, cucumber, celery)
• 16 ozs. smoothie (orange, banana,maca, shinoussa algae)
• biosuperfood micro algae
• 2 ozs wheatgrass juice
• green salad
• bowl of homemade gazpacho soup
• homemade peach crumble

Yesterday’s food log:

• 3 ozs E3live
• chlorella tablets
• E3Renew Me
• firewater
• biosuperfood micro algae
• 3 ozs. wheatgrass juice
• 1 quart green juice (sunflower sprouts, alfalfa, cucumber, celery, broccoli)
• 16 oz green smoothie (hemp, maca, banana, shinoussa algae powder)
• bowl of gazpacho soup
• bowl of cherries

I will be at the Ecosphere Show next weekend on Aug 1, 2 & 3 and am looking for volunteers to help with my booth.  Mark will be off playing in the woods again so I’ll be on my own 1 foot.  Any help would be greatly appreciated. If interested in spending time with me in a fun environment, please email me directly at natasha@simplyraw.ca.  I will be giving 2 talks and demos: 11:30 am on Saturday and 2:30pm on Sunday.  Hope to see you there!